KNEEtalk

The WAITING ROOM => GENERAL KNEE QUESTIONS and comments (good for new threads) => Topic started by: Cynthia1982 on October 08, 2008, 06:21:57 PM

Title: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 08, 2008, 06:21:57 PM: Hi
My OS preformed a lateral release on my left knee due to patella maltracking on the 22nd of july this year. I have been attending PT every week since then. I am still walking around with a limp and have terrible pain. My PT can't understand why my recovery is taking so long. I was with my OS 2 weeks after my surgery and he seemed happy enough and said he didn't need to see me anymore but if i had any problems i knew where to find him. I have rang him and explained the problem but he didn't seem to bothered. He just keeps telling me it will take 6mths to heal fully. I have told my PT what he has said and she seems to disagree, she says i shouldn't have this much pain and lack of movement. I can not fully extend my leg nor can i bend it fully. I have had 2 previous surgeries on my right knee and never had this kind of trouble, my recoveries were very quick. My right knee is starting to get painful now and i'm afraid i'm doing damage to it as i'm putting most of my weight on it while walking.
I was also walking the other day and i felt something tear in my left knee, it swelled up and the level of pain i have has increased. I was thinking of going for a second opinion. I can't go on like this much longer, i'm getting very down in myself which is not like me. Has anybody got any advise for me. Please help
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TBCGurl on October 08, 2008, 06:38:21 PM: I knwo how you are feeling, I had a lateral release too, along with other things all at the same time. But maybe you should get an appointment with another OS. Is there anyone else in their office? Maybe give them a ring...
Hope you get to feeling better soon!!
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on October 08, 2008, 07:18:53 PM: So it has not been quite three months yet? A LR is not the easy recovery most think it is. A LR can swell an incredible amount even 3-6 months out which can inhibit your flexion and extension. The tearing you felt could have been adhesions or scar tissue. Give your OS a call and see if you can get in to discuss the tearing sensation, especially since you said it swelled up too. If you don't seem to be getting better as time goes on, give it a good six months and see a different OS for another opinion. Everyone heals differently from surgery. Has your PT delt with a LR before? If they haven't seen many, they may not have a realistic idea of healing time. Getting down happens frequently with surgery, even when everything is perfect. Are you using a crutch still or a cane? You may still need one. Limping around is not good for the good knee and not for your back either.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 09, 2008, 01:08:17 AM: Thanks for the advise guys. I'm not using crutches or a cane i was told i was fine to ditch the crutches 3 weeks after surgery. My PT has seen a good few LR she seems to think i should be futher on than i am. My OS has said to me it will take time but he also said i should not be walking with a limp and that i should be well able to go to the gym and at least play 30-60 mins of football.When i asked him for an appointment to see him again he said there was no need and if i still had a problem after christmas that he would see me in the new year. So i went to my GP and he has refered me to a top OS in Dublin which is about 300miles from where i live, but if he can help me i don't mind. i have an appointment with him on the 20th of this month. I have returned to work doing light duties but not sure if this was a good idea. Thanks again for replies
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on October 09, 2008, 01:42:10 PM: A half hour or better of football (I assume that's soccer?)? Who is he kidding? I couldn't do that when I had the surgery at 19 for goodness sake. You may be a bit behind, but playing sports before three months is a bit outrageous. Good luck with the new OS. Ask your PT to check your gait. You should have something if you are still limping. I went back to work 10 days after my op. It wasn't pleasent to say the least, but I do have a desk job.

Good luck.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: JustMeInNC on October 09, 2008, 03:52:51 PM: I had a LR 6 months ago and i only have 65 degrees ROM (I can straighten my leg fully), and i am still in a significant amount of pain. I walk with a limp sometimes other times is it not so bad and i can get by. Good luck with the new OS ;D
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 09, 2008, 11:36:58 PM: Quote from: TwoBadKneesUSA on October 09, 2008, 01:42:10 PM
A half hour or better of football (I assume that's soccer?)? Who is he kidding? I couldn't do that when I had the surgery at 19 for goodness sake. You may be a bit behind, but playing sports before three months is a bit outrageous. Good luck with the new OS. Ask your PT to check your gait. You should have something if you are still limping. I went back to work 10 days after my op. It wasn't pleasent to say the least, but I do have a desk job.

Good luck.
I did mean soccer, i'm guessing by your reply my OS is not being very realistic with what he expects me to be able to achieve. I will post when i see my new OS. I have an appointment with him on the 20th.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Jessyca on October 10, 2008, 01:29:59 AM: I haven't had a LR, but I do have some experience with PTs and OSs not agreeing. I would suggest asking your PT to send a report to your OS so you can be sure they are both understanding and there isn't a bit of information getting lost in your rendition.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 10, 2008, 02:25:35 AM: My PT has rang my OS a couple of times already to discuss my thearpy and to see if he would suggest anything to relieve the pain. He keeps telling her the same thing as he tells me.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: FormerlyActive on October 10, 2008, 06:39:58 AM: Hmm. I had LR both knees same time and was in a wheelchair and then on crutches for quite a long time. However, even a few days after surgery they had me doing a range of motion exercise which really helped me. Don't know if you are doing it? You lie on your stomach and ever so gently one leg at a time bend your knee until your heel is moving towards your bottom. Its a kind of stretch for quad and helps with ROM. On the rehab sheet they also showed it with a kind of towel around the heel to help guide (not force it).

If your PT feels your recovery is too slow there should always be an option to see the doctor. If he is not willing then yes would see another doctor but let doctor 1 know you feel the need to see a professional in order to ensure your recovery is progressing.

In meantime would make sure you are doing all else 100%, i.e. take anti inflammatory, icing, elevating, massage, PT as prescribed, managing weight, wearing supportive shoes, orthotics as needed to support your knee structure.
Really wish the best for you. Warm healing wishes. Let us know how you go.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on October 10, 2008, 02:01:22 PM: I think quite often docs do have an unrealistic expectation after a surgery. Many of them have not had any orthopaedic surgeries themselves, so they don't have personal experience. I have seen some patients running and such a few months after a lateral release. From what I have seen, I don't think that is most patients. Keep working on the PT, ice and elevate after and take the anti-inflamitories and stronger pain meds if needed. Good luck with the second opinion. Hope you start feeling better soon. It's miserable enough, then to have your medical "team" tell you that you should be better already is so discouraging. I always felt that as long as I was progressing and not going backward that I was doing ok.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 10, 2008, 11:30:21 PM: Thanks for the reply, you've put my mind at rest a bit. As for pain relief, unfortunatly i have asthama and am unable to take most of the meds that are prescribed for inflamation, they bring on asthama attacks. That is another reason i'm so eager to get my fitness back, i feel with the lack of exercise i'm getting at the moment it's making my lungs a bit lazy and i'm depending on my inhalers a lot more. But enough of feeling sorry for myself. I'm looking foward to seeing my new OS and getting things going in the right direction. Thanks again for your wotds of encouragment.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 10, 2008, 11:48:01 PM: God poor you a LR on both knees. My PT has tried that stretch that you mentioned and had no luck with it. I can bend it to a certain extent if i'm lying on my back, but if i'm lying on my stomach it just won't budge. She has tried to give it a gentle stretch while i ly on my stomach but to no avail. It feels like there is something blocking it. She thoght it was a hamstring problem at first and we worked on that but still no change. It feels the same when i'm walking, i get to a certain bend when walking and that's as far as it will go hence the limp. I have noticed a considerable loss to quad mucle compared to my other leg, even though i'm doing as much as i can to build up my quads. A friend of mine said her brother had a thing called a kneehab brace after an ACL op, it's like an ab trimmer but for your knee. I was wondering if you've heard of this ? If so is it worth trying it out?
Thanks for your kind thoughts. I will keep you all informed with my progress
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 11, 2008, 11:26:53 PM: Hi guys,
Had a bit of a set back today. I was coming down the stairs and my knee gave way, it felt horrible like something went pop inside it. It's pretty badly swollen and very painful. I can put my weight on it and walk but the pain when i do this is very severe. I don't know wheter to wait till my appointment with my new OS on the 20th or go to A&E. What do you guys think? I'm icing it every 3-4hrs and have it elevated most of the time. ??? :'(
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: FormerlyActive on October 13, 2008, 02:39:03 AM: I'm so sorry to hear that. I do recall after the LR they said to be very careful about falling and such. Perhaps call the doctor and ask to talk to the nurse line? I wonder if it would make sense for them to MRI it the next time you are in for your appointment to ensure there is no new tear?
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 13, 2008, 07:14:23 PM: Thanks for the reply formerlyActive. I ended up going to the doctor today, the pain was getting to much. He has sent a letter to my new OS to let him know what happened and also arranged for an MRI at the end of the week. Just incase i have done any new damage he has told me to take it easy and rest it until i see my OS next week.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: FormerlyActive on October 16, 2008, 05:03:40 AM: That sounds like a very good plan. It will give you hopefully peice of mind. Let us know how it goes. Best wishes.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on October 20, 2008, 09:25:13 PM: Hi

Hope you are feeling better, and the appointment with the new OS works out.
I hope you don't mind me picking your brain, I have just had a lateral release and a MPFL replacement (some new funky technique apparently), did you have a lateral release to stop recurrent dislocation?
I have been weight bearing, but no movement - I start PT in a few days, but I have been experiencing the awful feeling of my knee dislocating, it hasn't and my OS assures me it is fine but I am really apprehensive about my knee giving way.
Is this something you experienced?

Sorry for asking all these questions but have been really stressing about this and not wanting to start PT

Any info gratefully received

MD-F
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 20, 2008, 10:59:03 PM: Hi MD-F,
Feeling a bit better. I had my appointment today and was told that i had osteoarthritis and this is whats causing all my post op problems. I was told that there is no magic cure. So i just have to build my knee back up again to the best i can, my suitation isn't going to get much better.
As for your questions. I didn't have recurrant dislocation my knee kept locking and it was getting very hard to get it free. Sometimes it could be locked for up to half an hour. You say you had a MPFL replacement. I heard that this was a very successful procedure and that it works in about 99% of people. It called medial patello femerol ligament, so if you had it replaced i wouldn't be surprised that you haven't much movement.
My knee does feel like its going to give way which i mentioned to my OS today and he says that it will settle with time. The stronger the muscles around the knee get the more stable it will get and feel. It is a horrible feeling but i'm sure it will settle.
Make sure when you start your PT that you tell he/she that it feels like it's going to dislocate. PT is the most important part of recovery so it's really important that you go. If you were given exercises to do after your surgery make sure you are doing them, they will keep the quads and hamstrings strong and it will make your physio a lot easier. I found if i took pain medication before i went into physio that it helped with the pain that you may feel and always when you get home after your physio that you ice and elevate the knee. It is important to ice the knee as much as possible to keep the swelling down.
Hope this is of some help to you

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 29, 2008, 12:35:45 AM: Sorry haven't posted in a while.
I had my mri and it showed i had a grade III MCL tear. I had to wear a knee immobilizer and use crutches for 2 weeks. I now have a hinged knee brace and only use the crutches when i go outside. I was told that it would take a minimum of 6 weeks for this to heal and that i could ditch the crutches and brace when i can walk without a limp. My problem is that i had a limp as a result of my LR and i won't know if it's the MCL tear or the LR that's making me limp. A friend of mine told me that it could take 3-4 months to recover from a MCL tear. Has anybody here had an experience with an MCL tear and if so how long was recovery? Also i was thinking of doing some stationary bike to strenghten my leg, has anybody any other ideas on exercises. My usual PT is on holidays and her replacement isn't prepared to give me any additional exercises until she returns and sees how my progress is. I'm getting very fustrated as i seem to be getting nowhere fast. :o
Any input greatly appreciated
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: FormerlyActive on November 01, 2008, 04:44:29 AM: Hi Cynthia
So sorry to hear that. Do you have any idea how the tear happened? As your doctor indicated I have heard they just try to heal them. I'm sure its frustrating as heck.
Best healing wishes.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 01, 2008, 03:53:45 PM: I have no idea how it happened unless it happened when my knee gave way coming down the staris. It seems to be improving a little every day, so i'm sure it won't be long now before i'm back to my football. Your right about it being frustrating i'm getting so bored sitting around doing nothing.
Thanks for the good wishes, i hope all is well with you.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on November 01, 2008, 10:18:14 PM: Hi

Sorry to hear about your set backs but I am pleased that you seem to be taking them in your stride (excuse the pun) and getting on with things.

I have resigned myself to another few weeks off of work and have started making christmas cards at home to stop me from watching Maury and the Steve Wilkos show, apart from the brief interludes of painful PT and regular icing and exercise life becomes v.dull when it's hard to move around (sorry to moan but having a bad day)

Hope you continue to improve and you are up and around soon, but remember just take your take time, recovery is a slow process and can't be hurried.

MD-F
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 01, 2008, 11:18:33 PM: Thanks for the reply MD-F
I hear what your saying about taking my time. I think that's half my problem i push myself to far and then end up in pain or doing more damage. But i think i've learned my lesson this time ;D
All pun excused. I'm usually easy going and take things in my stride i'm starting to get used to getting to a certain stage of recovery and then getting yet another set back but believe me i have my moments when i have a bloody good moan and feel sorry for myself (like now).
You are right to take another few weeks off work, get as much time as you can to recover. Can't believe your making christmas cards already though. I haven't even thought of doing anything yet. But you'll be prepared and i'll be the one running around (if my knee lets me) on christmas eve trying to get everthing sorted.
Hope your knee is recovering well and that your not in to much pain.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 04, 2008, 11:09:35 PM: Hey guys need a bit of advice.
Once again i have fallen. I was in a friends house and she is getting work done on the house so it's a bit like a building site. I was carrying 2 cups of coffee into the living room not watching where i was going and tripped over a bit of timber. I landed on both my knees but at least i didn't spill the coffee ;D It hurt like hell for a while after but after elevating and icing it wasn't to bad. But over the last 2 days the pain levels have got pretty bad, and it's not just the knee that was operated on lately that hurts. I have a noticable bruise on the knee that was operated on but no bruising on the other(left knee recently operated on). I get a sharp pain through the left knee when i walk and the whole of my right knee is throbbing all the time. None of the pain meds i have taken have made a difference to the pain. I am afraid that i might have caused more damage to the left knee and not sure what i've done to the right knee but it doesn't feel right ???.
Has anyone got any tips on pain control or what i should do. I'd give anything for a good nights sleep but the pain is keeping me awake alot at night.
If anyone has any advice i would be gratefull.

Thanks
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on November 05, 2008, 03:08:49 PM: Hey you,

What have you been up too? Poor thing, it sucks.
As for pain meds' I usually take a bit of a cocktail

1hr before bed I take 1g paracetamol, then 30 min later I take 400mg ibuprofen and 100mg tramadol once in bed not sure why but this seem to work. Although not advised and I am not telling you to do this a glass of baileys with ice help the tramadol kick in!

I can't say you will get a full nights sleep, but you should get a few hours of really deep sleep (with or without the baileys)
If you can't take any of the above meds' get your GP to prescribe some mst / oromorph.

Good luck, keep on with the rest and ice!

MD-F
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 05, 2008, 05:43:50 PM: Hi MD-F,

Thanks for the reply. I'll ask my gp for some new meds. All i've been able to take is paracetamol as i can't take alot of meds with my asthma. I'll keep resting and icing.

Thanks and take care,

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 06, 2008, 03:58:50 AM: hi Cynthia,

You should certainly go back to your GP for pain meds but be very careful weith MST/Oramorph. I take both MST (slow release morphine) and I am no addicted to this. If I miss a dose, evne if I am concentrating hard on something else, I get severe shakes, what seems like a fever, sometimes hallucinations etc. Althugh this is estreme and these symptoms disappear after about 40 minutes of taking the relevant dose of MST, itr's not nice.

Oramoprh is liquid morphine. You can get it either in a bottle 250/500/1000ml or in 5ml vials. The morphine in a bottle has a certain amount of sugar added and although it's not pleasant, it's tolerable. The vials are just nasty, but work effectively for pain. If anything, this may be better for you as you could take just 5ml when necessary and hopefully this should solved the pain problem temporarily.

Also, definitely go back to your OS and get this sorted (the 3rd OS I mean). You deserve a decent quality of life but I feel if you wait fo ryour current OS to sort you out, you'll be waiting a long time.

Take care,

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 06, 2008, 03:35:15 PM: Hi Cynthia,

Definate get with your GP for pain control. See your OS to have them take a look. You may have just really aggrivated everything, but best to be sure.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: der7118 on November 06, 2008, 04:54:14 PM: From what I am reading on this message board I am understanding that even after the Lateral Release surgeries - problems still exist? Am I correct?

I am scheduled for surgery on Wednesday 11-12-2008. Needless to say I am very worried!!

The problem I am having (chondramalica and patalla tracking disorder) stems from an accident back at the beginning of July - My husband and I were in the process of building a pool in our back yard and I tripped over his Saws All and the blade went into my leg just juder my knee cap about 2 inches.

Since the injury I have seen 3 different OS and had several different treatments including
Anti-Inflamitories for approx. 3 months. PT, and Courtisone Injections. During my last visit on Monday the OS told me that I needed to have surgery to correct the problem however he told me that we could do the Lateral Release however that may not take care of the problem and we may have to go back later and to a Distal Realignment however it was my decision if we went ahead and did the Distal Realignment or if we just did the Lateral Release and hoped that works.

I am reading horrible things about both surgeries - does any one have any advice that thay may be willing to share about their experiences?
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 06, 2008, 06:31:05 PM: Hey guys

Thanks for the replies.
Milly and Laura- I am in the proccess of looking for a new OS so my gp has gvien me injections and more pain meds just to ease the pain till i find one. I need to get this problem sorted out sooner rather than later as my boss at work is saying i'm missing to much time off work and he is considering demoting me. I would hate this to happen as i left school at 16 and worked very hard to get to the level i am at. It might not be the best job in the world but it pays the bills.

Der7118- Try not to worry about about your surgery. Everybody body is different, so not everybody heals the same. I might be having a slow recovery, but then again i push myself to hard and then i end up falling or doing something stupid and causing myself more damage. If you do what the PT tells you post op, do your exercises the best you can and as often as you can. And as i've been told RICE. Ice as often as you can and elevate. Hope your surgery goes well. Keep me posted on your progress.

Thanks to all for your replies.

Take care

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 06, 2008, 10:28:21 PM: Hi All,

Cynthia - there is no such thing as the best job in the world because there will always be someone who has what we al consider to be a better job, no matter how much money we earn or what level we've reached. If you're happy at work, enjoy yourself, get on with your colleagues and can live comfortably on the salary you earn, what does it matter whether you earn £100 per day or £1 million per year?
Don't ever put down what you do. Yo said it yourself - you've worked hard to get to the level you're at now. That's an achievement for alot of people and many don't stick to the jobs they had after leaving school. You've shown perseverance and true character as you've continued through your knee problems. Well done!

Der - Many people here have had a lateral release as a sort of "first stage" surgery. The alteral release surgery can correct patella problems to a certain extent but is usually (bnot always) more effective for patella tilt. Anyway, here on this board we are the minority. Please bear in mind there are hundreds of thousands of knee surgeries every year globally and mot are successful. We are just a few people who've have problems, and wish to share our problems, obtain advice and compare notes with others who may have similar issues.
There's no way of knowing whether a LR will work for you. I hope it does and that puts an end to your knee problems. If not, then maybe another operation may be required but htere's no reason to believe at this stage that it won't work. An OS wouldn't usually operate if they know it's going to fail. The trick is to find out as much about the surgery you're going to have and to ask your OS as many questions about it as you can. Then you can make an informed decision on what operation you should have.
Good luck.

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 07, 2008, 12:45:09 AM: I wish there was such a thing as the best job in the world. As it is i work for supermarket chain(i will tell you which one in private mail). I started to work at 16 because i left school (I left because i was being bullied for being over weight). I started in my job packing shelves, have worked very hard and now have my own department to run. I love my job but like every job it has it's bad days, my colleagues are great and so easy to get along with.

I did however want to bea paramedic. So i enrolled in evening classes to finish my edcuation so i could go on to do the proper courses to become a paramedic. I would finish work at 5 and go off to school. I did my leaving cert ( not sure if ye call this GCSE or A level's in england) in june of this year and got the grades i needed to go on.

Unfortunatly i'm not sure now if i can get the dream job i wanted because of my knees.
But on the upside i look at those people who bullied me at school and see how they got on. Some of them are bigger (weight wise) than i ever was and most of them don't even have jobs.

Since leaving school i have become a much stronger person and lost nearly all the weight i was carrying. I have 1/2 stone to go and i will be at my goal weight and i will have lost 7.5 stone.

Anyway i think i've gone off the track abit with this post.

Take care

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 07, 2008, 12:51:35 AM: HI Cynthia,

Well Done! That's fantastic! 7.5 stone is a hell of a lot and you should be really proud of yourself. You go girl!! ;D

You clearly work hard and there's no reason why you can't have your dream job. If you're prepared to work hard for something, then you'll get it.

Iused to finish work and go straight to colege also. Now I study only part-time during the day fi I can get away form whatever work I have at the time. I am very lucky that I was able to go to university so I have a few degrees. It doesn't mean anything and I'm NOT mrope intelligent than anyone else. but I really wenjoy studying and I found at times, I can be quite good at it (if I work really hard at it).
YOU can go on with your studies and get whatever qualifications you want or need to progress. Don't ever let anyone put you off learning - it's the best feeling in the world when you've worked hard for a long time then you pass exams, or get some reward for your hard work.

Yo keep going - that dream job is just around the corner.

Laura xx

(PS - Over here, we take GCSE's at 16 and A levels at 18).
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 07, 2008, 12:59:22 AM: Hi Laura,

Thanks for your encouragement. Studying was never a strong point of mine but when it's something you really want to do i believe in working as hard as you can to obtain that goal.
Our exam levels over here are- Junior cert 16 and leaving cert 18

Goodnight

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 07, 2008, 03:24:59 AM: Cynthia - good luck on your OS search. Hope you get a good one that listens and can help you out. Sounds to me you have accomplished alot and have much to be proud of. Hope your pain starts getting better for you.

Der - A lateral release may help you or it may not. Read up on both procedures and ask questions of your OS. What are the pros and cons of each surgery. A LR is usually a first step as was mentioned before. You need to think about wether or not you can do two surgeries if necessary. If not maybe you need to go right to the distal relignment. Like Laura said most surgeries go just fine. We are on this board because we are in the small percentage of those that have continued problems after surgery. Don't rush into any surgery, do some research. Good luck with what ever decision you make.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on November 07, 2008, 12:31:24 PM: Hi Cynthia,

Hope you are getting on with the new pain meds, I have just had to double mine as PT has increased the intensity of my exercises (she is evil!!) I know it's all for the best but I'm sure everyone everyone understands what I'm talking about.

I know it's easy for me to say but try not to worry about what your boss has said, from what you have said about yourself you are a fighter and a very determined person, you would never have managed to get your exams and lost all the weight you wanted to if you were the sort of person that quits at the drop of a hat.

I hope the search for a good OS goes to plan.
I have to go and prepare for my boyfriends parents annual visit, they seem to think that i will be up to going for days out and walking around shops etc - even though I still need help getting in and out of the car/shower!! and need to use my walking stick to help put my pants on!! Can't wait for them to get here so they can leave again, I don't want to sound horrid, but am really not up to visitors at the moment, especially one's that will be checking the picture frames for dust! (I'm not joking, she does this).
Sorry have turned a good wish to you into a massive rant about my in-laws.

Keep your chin up, keep on top of pain, and remember to RICE
TAKE IT EASY! I have a feeling nothing is going to keep you down for long.

Good luck with everything

MD-F (Maria)
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 07, 2008, 04:52:07 PM: Hi Maria,

The pain meds are numbing the pain a bit so i'm getting around a little easier(thank god). I'm trying not to let my boss get to me but he can be such sexist pig sometimes. He hates to see women getting on and doing well he's all for the boys, i doubt if it was one of the boys in this suitaton he'd have them off with full pay until they are fit enough to return. He has issues. I initally hurt both my knees at work so you'd think they would have given me a bit longer off with pay until i got myself sorted.

I hope all goes well with the dreaded in-laws visit. I know how you feel, i though it was just my boyfriends mother who went around looking for dust. I'm glad to see now it must be a thing that all in-laws do. If you're cheeky like i am you could do what i did. The last time she visited i handed her a white glove at the front door and told her it was for her dust test, they would keep her fingers clean incase i missed a bit. Needless to say she wasn't impressed but she hasn't done her dust check since.

Hope your knee starts to get better soon.

Take care
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 08, 2008, 02:07:54 PM: HI,

Cynthia - that's a fantastic way of dealing with the in-laws. I had a different problem with mine: my ex-mother-in-law would come to the house when my ex-husband wasn't there. Then at some poin tlater she'd phone him and tell lies about me - that I'd ignored her or been rude to her, or not offered her a drink etc. Obviosuly this meant he'd be nasty to me and use his mother's lies (even though he knows she tells lies) as an excuse to be unpleasant.
Fortunately, they are both out of my life permanently.

It's good that the pain meds are finally working for you, at least a little bit. And you'll be able to deal with your boss better if you're in less pain. Hang in there - things will get better.

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 08, 2008, 04:50:18 PM: Hi Laura,

Your ex-mother in law sounds like a piece of work, lucky you got out of that suitation when you did.
Can't type for long i'm in hospital at the minute. Very tired spaced out on drugs, i'll post later when they wear off a bit.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 08, 2008, 05:38:24 PM: Cynthia,

Why? What happened? Ar eyou OK? (OK stupid question - clealry you're nto OK if you're in hospital).

Kep upthe pain meds and type when you're ready.

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on November 08, 2008, 09:33:47 PM: Hi Cynthia

Hope you are ok. Am concerned about you.

Post back when you can, just to let us know that you are ok
Keep taking the pain meds

Hang in there chick. X

Maria (MD-F)
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 09, 2008, 12:03:05 AM: Hi Laura - Maria,

Just letting ye know i'm ok. A quick brief of what happened me.
I had a bit of a cough and head cold all week but i thought nothing of it and didn't think it warranted a trip to the doctor. My boyfriend and i had a few friends over yesterday evening i had a bit of news and it was a little celebration. A few of our friends are smokers and the weather was horrible here yesterday so i told them not to be standing outside smoking to come inside where it was dry. Anyway when everyone was gone i wasn't feeling very well my asthma was giving me grief because of the head cold, so i took my inhalers and thought i go to bed for a while. An hour or so later i was feeling a bit better so i got up and watched a bit of tv, i checked my e-mails and posted a few messages on this board. I was starting to get a bit tired so went back to bed. At about 1am i got very wheezie and was finding it difficult to breath, my boyfriend went downstairs and got my inhalers which i took and still no change, i was getting worse at this stage. My boyfriend was pleading with me to let him take me to the hospital, but i wouldn't give in i told him to get my nebuilser that i would be fine once i took that. So he went off downstairs again to get it. I don't remember anything after that, but he told me when he came back upstairs i was unconcious and my breathing was very bad. He called an ambulance. On the way to the hospital i went into respiratory arrest(in other words i stopped breathing). They worked on me and got me breathing again but decided it was best to sedate me and put me on a ventilator to help me breath more easier, they were afraid i would go into cardiac arrest as my blood pressure was very high and my heart was beating at something like 200 which apparently isn't normal. They took me off the ventilator till about 1o'clock today and didn't have any major problems coming off it so they were happy to move me from icu to a ward.
They did loads of tests to find out what caused such a bad asthma attack and an x-ray confirmed what they thought i have Pneumonia. I'm on IV antibiotics, steroids, some drugs i've never heard of and they are giving me new pain meds for my knees also. I just want to go home now but they won't let me go.
My poor boyfriend was in bits when i came round properly today, he thought i was going to die. The docs told him if he tried to bring me in the car like he was going to i probably wouldn't be here now. The drugs i was on for my knees aparently agreviated my asthma, so along with them and the pneumonia brought on the attack.
I must say i'm feeling a good bit better than i did last night.
Thanks for your concern. As i do say it's hard to kill a bad thing. At least it wasn't my knees that had me in hospital this time, but unfortunatly my good news didn't last long.

Take care

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on November 09, 2008, 11:33:07 PM: Dear Cyhnthia,

I just read your post, I couldn't believe it. I am so happy to hear that your doing better. Thank god for your boyfriend.

I'll be thinking about you and I hope to stay in touch with you.

Best,
N
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 09, 2008, 11:47:42 PM: Hi Nadialife,

Thanks for the post. I'm very grateful to my boyfriend, he saved my life. He's such a pet he gave me his laptop while i'm stuck in here so i can keep in touch with you guys. Feeling much better tonight, but i still have that stupid oxygen tube in my nose it starting to get on nerves a bit, but i'm hoping to get that out soon.

Hope you are keeping well.

Take care

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 09, 2008, 11:56:27 PM: Hi Cyntyhia,

Relieveed to hear from you. Thank God for your boyfriend. How are you doing now? I hope you're on the mend. If your O₂ tube is annoying you then could you have a mask that you put over your nose/mouth when you feel the need instead?

It's great that you're well enough to be online and type. I used to watch films on my ex-husband's laptop when I stayed in hospital which made the stay a little more tolerable.

Hope you're home soon and on the mend.

Take care,

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 10, 2008, 12:22:41 AM: Hi Laura,

I still can't believe all that happened. I'm feeling so much better tonight, i don't think i need the O2 tube anymore but they are saying my oxygen levels are dropping when i take it off.(i know bad patient i shouldn't be taking it off). It's definetly great that i can be on line and typing cause if i didn't have this i'd go mad. They are giving out if i spend to much time on it but i'm in my own room so i won't be disturbing anyone. Apparently i need to rest but to be fair to them i do get tired pretty easy. I've slept more in the last 2 days than i have in the last 3 months.
Good idea aout watching films on the laptop i hadn't thought of that. I just can't wait to get out of here.
The nurse is just after sticking her head in the door and laughing (she reckons she'd be better off talking to the wall). But really they are all very nice to me i can't complain, until they come in with the drugs then i complain. They are giving me 15 cortisone tablets daily and then they'll gradually cut them down. Surely all these drugs couldn't be good for a person. I'm going to sign off soon. The lungs are getting a bit tired again.

Anyway enough of my moaning
Hope you are well.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 10, 2008, 04:13:36 AM: Hi Cynthia,

Feel free to moan as much as you like. Hop eoyu'r enot kept in hospital too long, but whilst you are there, get as much rest as you can. There's nothing else to to there and althuogh it's boring as hell, at least you can sleep and relax as much as you either want or need to.

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 11, 2008, 12:31:17 AM: Bad day today.(over did it a bit yesterday i think). Not able to type much. :'(
Hope ye are all well.

Chat soon,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 11, 2008, 12:28:42 PM: Hey guys

I'm cynthia's boyfriend John. She showed me this site the other day and told me i had to keep ye up to date if she wasn't able, so please excuse any mistakes i'm not used to this site.
Yesterday Cynthia was not in the best of form, she was on the oxygen most of the day and her breathing was still quite bad, they wanted to take over her breathing again but she wasn't having any of it. As sick an all as she was she was still fighting with them.
She wanted to leave ye a post last night so with a bit of help it took her 20mins to write a small message. The nurses told me at about 1am i should go home and rest that they would ring me if there was any change. I wasn't to happy about leaving, but Cynthia was asleep at this stage and they said a nurse was going to stay with her all night.
It felt like i had just got off to sleep when the phone rang, it was the hospital. I raced back, fortunatly my bestfriend lives 2mins away from the hospital and i was staying with him. When i got as far as her room and ran in, a nurse came over to me and escorted me to the relatives room and asked me to wait in here that a doctor would be with me shortly to explain what was going. I was terrified at this stage all that kept running through my mind is that i was going to loose her, you would have thought the same if you had seen her. Her skin was grey and pasty liiking and the noises she was making when she was trying to breath were like notjing i've never heard before.
After what seemed like hours the doc arrived in. He told me that they had managed to stabilise her and that they were moving her back to icu where she could get one on one care. I asked him if i should ring her parents and let them know what's going on. He said if at all possibile they should come home. They are away on holidays so they are trying to get the next flight home. The doc said that Cynthia's chances of pulling through this eposide are 50/50, he said she is a very sick girl.
I'm not a religious man by any means but please say a prayer for her, i'n terrified of loosing her. I know she is a fighther, and i'm not leaving her side till she's coming home with me.

Best Wishes
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on November 11, 2008, 01:55:10 PM: John/Cynthia

I will pray............

Praying right now.

Hang in there and John..what a great boyfriend you are..hugs to you as well at this very difficult time.

Love from the other side of the pond in the UK

Lisa
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 11, 2008, 05:28:34 PM: lis1

Thanks for your kind thoughts.
I'm not that great a boyfriend, if i put my foot down and made her go to the doctor last week she probably wouldn't have ended up in the hospital.
Not much change this evening. I've been told she is stable but her condition is critical. There are tubes and wires every where.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 11, 2008, 07:23:27 PM: John

I am the same lisa as the above post..........one is home and one is work. Please dont be thinking that........you need to keep focusing on your strength as well and thoughts such as that will bring you down. You are a great boyfriend, i read through some of her previous posts and Cynthia clearly loves you a lot...........that makes you a GREAT boyfreind and dont you forget it.

I am very pleased that she is stable and i will keep checking in for news. I am a Christian and i have tremendous faith...........i WILL continue to pray for you both............and for great healing to come her way. Have you managed to get hold of her parents and i do hope that you have some support with you too.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on November 11, 2008, 08:39:20 PM: Hi John/ Cynthia,

All my thoughts are with you. I will pray for strenght.

Please keep us informed.

xN
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 11, 2008, 10:52:37 PM: Hello again,

Thank you all for your prayers and support.
I have had contact with her parents. They are unable to get a flight home till thursday, their holiday rep is trying to see if there is any cancelations on any of tomorrows flights to get them home sooner. My best friend and his wife have been brilliant, they stayed with her when i went home to freshen up and get something to eat.
I can see now why she was on this site so often, it's a great support.

Will keep ye informed of any changes.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 11, 2008, 10:56:51 PM: Hey John,

Thanks for keeping us up to date. I've been out of touch for a couple of days. I will be saying a prayer for you both. Don't beat yourself about not making her see her doc sooner. In February my husband was hospitalized twice in two weeks for Pnemonia. The first time he was in two days. I did not know he did not pick up his meds from the phamacy. After he nearly died the second week, I went and got them. I could not make him take them, but there were here for him.

I think Cynthia is quite a fighter and will come out okay. It may be tense for a while, but I think it will be ok. Praying for you. Hang in there.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 11, 2008, 11:11:09 PM: John

I am so glad you have people around you supporting you and making sure you look after yourself too, it is important for you to stay strong too. It is bed time here in the UK but i will be praying shortly and will also include a cancellation flight for her parents.

God Bless.............Love to you both and i will check in in the morning.

Hang in there it will be Ok.

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 12:27:13 AM: Milly and Lisa

Thanks for the prayers.
They've just saked me to go to the relatives room so they could use some suction thing on her. I hope it doesn't hurt her, it's sounds a bit disgusting but i'm sure they're only doing it to help her as she's not concious it's the only way they can clear her lungs i suppose. I'm sure i should be resting instead of being on this but i won't be able to rest properly until i know she's going to be ok. Milly you're right my cynthia is indeed quite a fighter.
I trust your husband is ok now.

Thanks for the support

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 12, 2008, 01:04:59 AM: Hi John,

I'm so sorry I've only just replied (thanx to PC trouble).

You absolutely MUST look after yourself properly so that you can care for Cynthia. You rare a good boyfriend otherwise you would NOT be there with Cynthia now. There's no way you could have known what was to come and you shouldn't crucify yourself over something you did or didn't do. That time has now gone and what is important is what you are doing for Cynthia now and from now on.

I am praying for her (have sent you a PM also) and will contiue to do so. It's already been said - in the short time she's been posting here we know she's a fighter and is stronger than this. She will pull through, it will just take a little bit of time.
I will also pray for you and the rest of Cynthia's family, particularly her parents.

She's in the best place getting fantastic care at themoment. Whatever procedures the doctors carry out are for her benefit and I'm sure she would know that, even if some of them aren't pleasant.

Take care,

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 01:18:06 AM: Thanks laura,

It took me a while to figure out what this PM was but i sent you back one.
If any of my mates could see me now they'd be telling me to pull myself together. With all your kind words i'm sitting here like a baby crying. I know men shouldn't cry but i think i'd be excused on this occassion.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 01:45:50 AM: Hi

I just wanted to thank you all again for your support, prayers and kindness over the last couple of days. I am afraid to post to much about her current condition as i don't want to cause any more worry or freak anyone out. If anyone has any questions on her progress feel free to ask me. I will do my best to answer all question, but you'll have to bare with me i'm not to up to date with all this medical lingo.

Thanks again

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 12, 2008, 09:13:16 AM: it's morning in the UK now and i am up and about. I pray that you are still okay. John there is nothing unmanly about crying, it's called letting your emotions out, and i believe the sign of a 'real man' is his ability to be able to show how much he cares. Please dont worry about sharing her progress etc...........or details of her condition we care and can pray into specifics if we know what they are!!

It's important that you get some rest John.............so i hope that you have managed to get some sleep.

Peace and strength is my prayer this morning..............peace for you to relax and rest, and know that whatever Cynthia's docs do they are helping her to recover, and strength for you both.

Much Love

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on November 12, 2008, 11:42:51 AM: Hi John/Cynthia

How are things? How is Cynthia?

I've been off line for a few days and was just about to reply to her PM that she sent me when I read your post.
I was really shocked as she sounded so up beat the last time she e-mailed. I am so sorry to hear of her set back, you must be assured that she is in the right place and they are doing the best for her. You sound like a fantastic boyfriend, it takes a real man to cry and show his feelings and that's what you are, a real man.

Please take care, you need your rest as you need to be strong for the both of you.

My thoughts and prayers are with you both.

Sending you both hugs and happy thoughts. Xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 12:20:09 PM: Hi Lisa and MD-F,

Thank you for your kind thoughts.
This is the story of her condition so far. The doctors told me last night that she has double pneumonia, septic shock whatever that is and she is starting to show signs of kidney failure. He did say that her kidneys can recover so that is a good thing. She has chest drains in as she has fluid building up around her lungs.
At about 4am this morning all these alarms staring going off and the nurses and doctor came running. Her heart stopped beating for about 5 mins but they worked on her and got it going again. I don't have to tell you that scared the life out of me, i thought she was gone. But no my little fighter isn't ready to leave me. They were going to try and cut back some of her sedation and see how she would cope off some of the machines but after last nights little episode they are going to leave it for a while, they don't think she's strong enough at the moment and if taking her off the machine ment that her heart could stop beating again i wouldn't want them to do it.
Her mum and dad have managed to get a flight home today, there was a cancellation so that was a bit of luck. I'm sure when she hears their voices she will be happy cause she must be sick of listening to me at this stage. I am presuming she can hear me even though she is not concious. I asked her this morning if at all possibile would she stop scaring the crap out of me or i'll end up beside her with a heart attack. I'm nearly sure she smiled even though she has a big tube in her mouth.
So that's all the news this morning, she's still much the same and very weak.

Thanks

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 12, 2008, 02:28:41 PM: john

I prayed specifically for a flight for her parents, because it is important that they are there, both for you and for Cynthis. It's just so tense and scary for you and for her right now. I am so gald she is a fighter and is not giving in, but John we, I am here for you and for Cynthis too when she comes through this. I have not been posting on this thread but something yesterday drew me to here and although we often do not understand why there is always a reason. So please be reassured that there are prayers going on this side of the pond and that you are both in my thoughts right now.

Remember to keep eating and keep your strength up, and i am sure that she is not fed up of hearing you, but is glad that you are there.

We cant have you having heart failure so keep strong, keep being supported and know constantly that you have kind thoughts and prayers flowing through nus to you!!!

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 04:41:45 PM: Hi Lisa,

Thanks you for all your support. Her paerents arrived about an hour ago and they are with her now. I've just gone home to have a shower and get a change of clothes, then i'm going straight back.
I was showing her parents all the kind thoughts and prayers that ye guys have sent, they are very greatful and hope ye continue to pray for her.
The doctor will be around later this evening to speak to myself and her parents so i'll post again tonight with the latest updates.

Thank you all

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 12, 2008, 04:48:26 PM: i have a church thing tonight and will include her in the prayer requests at the end of the evening. I am very glad her parents have made it to be with her and that you are taking time to look after yourself too.

Not sure where in Ireland you are...........Peterborough is certainly thinking and praying for miraculous healing.....

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 04:51:51 PM: Thanks lisa

We are in the wild west of ireland. Just between Sligo and donegal

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 12, 2008, 05:57:31 PM: Hi John,

Wow sounds like a lot going on over your way. It's amazing how bad things can look and once they start to get better, they can really get better fast. From what you posted it sounds like she has a pretty bad infection going on. The sedation will help keep the rest of her quiet while the meds have a chance to knock out the infection. It is scary to see for sure. Glad her folks could make it home so quick. Don't forget to take care of you too, eat enough and get some regular sleep if you can. I sure know how tough that is. I'm sure she is glad to hear your voice. It must be scary from her view of things too. Keep talking to her.

My hubby is ok now. I still think he needs to quit smoking, but he's ok and still a thorn in my side thank goodness.

Will be keeping you both in my prayers.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on November 12, 2008, 10:27:07 PM: Thank you so much for keeping in touch. So good to hear her parents are there now.

My thoughts are and will be with you.

N
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 10:34:44 PM: Hi Milly,

Thanks for the reply.
There sure is a lot going on here. I'm hope that she is over the worst now and that things start to get better. She is on a lot of medication and i'm sure they are going to do the trick.
Glad to hear your husband is ok now, and definetly he needs to give up the cigarettes.
Nadialife thanks for the post.
The doctor is coming in about half an hour to see how things are progressing. I will update ye with any news.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 12, 2008, 11:51:09 PM: Hi,

The doctor was just with us. He said that cynthia has not shown improvement since her latest episode lastnight. He said they will continue to moniter her very closly and make sure that she is remains in a stable condition and is as comfortable as possible. They said that they were going to increase her pain medication as she is showing signs of discomfort. I don't know how they can tell this but i trust they are doing what they think is right. Her ankles are a bit swollen and they are saying this could be from the kidney issues she has at the minute. They have decided to give an even stronger antibotic to try and wipe out the infection. Hopefully then they will see some kind of improvement. The next 24hrs will tell how she responds to this latest bout of treatment.

Her parents and i have asked can a few of her little friends come in and see her tomorrow. On her days off cynthia would go to a school near our home. This is a school for children with downs syndrome. She got involved when one of her mothers friends had a little boy six years ago who had downs syndrome. He is very attached to her and she is very attached to him. Most places she goes he is there beside her. So needless to say he is asking why she hasn't been round to see him. His teacher rang to hear if there was any change as all the kids in the class were asking where she was, and their parents were ringing the school for news. There are 3 boys and 2 girls in the class that she visits. The docotrs have agreed they can visit tomorrow if she has a good night tonight and she is comfortable in the morning,but they can only stay for a couple of minutes. I'm sure they will think it's great fun having to put on gowns, gloves and masks going in to see her. I'm sure when she hears all their little voices she will know she has to fight so she can get back to them as soon as possibile. I just hope that it doesn't freak the little things out but their teachers will be with them and they have explained to them that there are a lot of machines and wires around and that it was important that they didn''t touch any of them.

Thanks again for your thoughts, prayers and kind words.
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 13, 2008, 07:27:44 AM: JOhn

Good rnorning

I hope you had an uneventful night and that plans that have been made today can be followed through. What a terrific family Cynthia has, and i include you in that. I am sure that you are correct and that having familiar voices and people around her will help. She sounds like a beautiful lady who has a lot of time and compassion for her fellow human beings........you too.

My prayer has been for peace and strength for the family and for miraculous healing for Cynthia and i will continue with you all being on my VIP prayer list until the work has been done.

So stay strong John and remember to look after yourself too.

LOve Lisa
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TIBBAR on November 13, 2008, 02:11:47 PM: John
God bless you for keeping everyone up to date and for obviously loving her so much.
Your last post brought tears to my eyes big time. I have worked in the Special Education classroom for 23 years and when my knees began to give out I now have a job at the administration building but still in the SPED department. I have worked with many different disabilities and yes some of those children do touch your heart. Some of my kids I still keep up with although they are in their 30's now. I would not trade those years for anything even tho that is what started my knees on their slippery slope.
Please do keep us informed as much as you feel necessary. I too am praying for her complete recovery and you and her family. Bless you all..... TIBBAR
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 13, 2008, 11:04:11 PM: Hi all,

Thank you all for your heart felt words.
Her little visitors got to see her for 5 mins today. They were delighted to see her but couldn't understand why she was asleep and wasn't talking to them. They all drew her lovely pictures and made very colourful cards. The staff were great with them, they brought them an a little tour to show them all the machines and explained what they were all for. They wanted me to go with them they must have reckoned i needed to be educated as well. I never knew kids asked so many questions they are so funny. They looked so cute in their little gowns, hats and gloves and we can't forget the masks they were like mini doctors following the nurses around.

Cynthia had a reasonably comfortable night last night. She had to be suctioned by that horrible machine twice but apart from that nothing major. The doctors say she seems to be responding to the latest treatment so this is great and she had the chest drains removed an hour ago. All in all things seem to right at last.

Her parents are giving me the usual parental lectures about looking after myself they said nothing was going to happen to her if i went out for a while and insisted i left the hospital with them for a couple of hours to get some dinner.
Will keep ye all posted as things can only get better from here. ;D ;D

Thank you all for the support this week it is greatly appreciated and you will never know how much it ment to me.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 13, 2008, 11:50:36 PM: Just letting ye know that they have to put the chest drains back in they did an x-ray and said they have to re insert them, You think they would have made 100% sure it was ok to take them out, now they are putting her through all that again. I only hope she can't feel it >:(. Sorry guys i'm a bit fustrated at the minute the staff have been absolutly fantastic but i don't like seeing all these horribile things being done to her.
The main thing is that she is on the mend.

Thanks for listening to my little outburst

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on November 14, 2008, 03:35:04 AM: John....Ive never posted here before, but I just want you to know that I will keep Cynthia in my thoughts and prayers....Im an asthmatic, and this really hit home. Stay strong. And make sure you take care of you, ok?

lots of hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 14, 2008, 07:47:51 AM: John i was so worried yesterday. I am pleased that things are improving albeit it very slowly. You vent away John here you are safe to do just that and we will listen to vents and frustrations, sadness and joy. We are here for you all the way. I am pleased her little visitors got to see her and that the nurses were good with them.

Her parents sound great, they are right you do need to look after yourself. What would Cynthis be telling you do to, eat? sleep? shower? etc, and so looking afteryour self is not only important to you, it would be to her too.

Am still including you all in thoughts and prayers.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 14, 2008, 05:43:07 PM: Hey John,

Glad her little friends could come and see her. I have this funny picutre of all these little "doctors" in the room. Kids to ask a lot of questions!

It's too bad they had to put the drains back. It can go back and forth so much with this kind of thing. Especially since she also has asthema. Sounds like she is improving even if it is slow. Glad the "in-laws" got you out for some food. Like others have said, vent away when you need to. It helps so much.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 14, 2008, 06:29:23 PM: Hi everyone,

Thanks for the posts ye are all a great support.
Cynthia has been in a comfortable condition today. They seem to be using the suction thing on her alot today though. The doctors are going to attempt to take the drains out again tomorrow, and all going well hopefully wean her off the sedation on monday. So things are starting to move in the right direction at last. I'm not going to get my hopes to high, i did that yesterday and they had to put the drains back in so i'm just going to take each day as it comes.
Your right her parents are great they have always been very good to me. I thought once they arrived i wouldn't have any input but i was wrong.
Again thank you all for your great support.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 14, 2008, 06:46:43 PM: that all sounds very positive John and i am pleased. Cynthia is going to improve daily i just know it.

I will be popping in and out this weekend, i do have to work and dont go on line then, but i will be checking in. Like i said before something drew me to this thread. I will continue my support and look forward to hearing some good news really soon.

Lisa
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 14, 2008, 11:05:16 PM: Hi,

The doctor was just here. Cynthia's infection is responding to the antibiotics, this is great news!!! He took chest x-rays this afternoon and will take another set of x-rays in the morning and hopefully then he will be able to take the drains out, for good this time i hope. Her kidneys have responded to the treatment they were giving her so she is no longer in renal failure. Hopefully monday they will be able to take her off the breathing machine. We had one set back this evening, but i will wait until i talk to her mum and dad before i post what it was.
Thank you all for your prayers and support the prayers seem to be getting answered. I have told her ye are all posting to see how she is and praying for her recovery.

Best wishes
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on November 15, 2008, 12:38:20 AM: Hi John,

Since we've been sending PMs back and forth I've not posted too much on the thread itself.

But you see what I mean? Everyone here is here to offer support and we're all thinking about Cynthia. We all appreciate that you feel you can "talk" to us.

Having said that, in addition, if yiou want to shout and scream at us, then please feel free. We're here to help.

Take care,

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on November 15, 2008, 02:04:34 AM: Hi John,

I know nothing is for sure, but what a delight to hear that she's on the right track.

I keep checking the board to see how she's doing.

Even though you've been great (extra ordinary), I can't wait for Chynthia to post a message on the board herself again (soon I hope).

You both are in my thoughts and prayers.

Best,
N
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 15, 2008, 04:16:51 PM: Hi Nadialife

I'm sure cynthia will be back posting soon.
I'm pleased to say the chest drains were removed at lunch time and things seem to be going ok there is no sign of them needing to put them back in again.
Will udate ye all later

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on November 15, 2008, 09:17:57 PM: Hi John

Hope everything is ok and Cynthia is holding her own.
Sorry I haven't posted for a while but have had a mild set back of my own on the knee front. I don't know if Cynthia has told you, but I work in an operating theatre, so if you need any medical jargon put into plain English I will do my best to help out.

It's good news that the drains are out, and the renal impairment is improving.

Feel free to rant and rave we are all here to support you and Cynthia and her family.

Please take care and make sure you are all getting enough rest, I've seen many families with relatives in ICU get worn down and end up unwell. So lots of rest for you all and don't forget to eat well and drink lots of fluid (sorry the nurse in me is coming out)

Please feel free to PM if you have any questions.

Take care

MD-F (Maria)
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 15, 2008, 11:23:04 PM: Hi John

i have just got in from watching x factor at a friends. They cook on a saturday and i take the wine.......good deal i feel!!

I hope that things continue to improve however slowly. Dave and Josie, the friends where i have been particulary wanted me to tell you that since i talked about Cynthia on weds at the small group from church that she has also been on their prayer list, and one of the first things they asked tonight was how she was doing. So i am doing just that.....we have a lot of prayer cover over this situation and want you to know just how much.

Take care John............of you as well of Cynthia and although Cynthia and I have not talked before i am looking forward to getting to know her later when she is better. Eat well and remember that we are all thinking of you as well of Cynthis.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 16, 2008, 12:20:08 AM: Lisa - Thank you so much for your kind message. I was touched that your friends are even asking after Cynthia. Please thank them from me and her family for their good wishes.
I wathced bits of the x factor tonight cynthia loves this programme, she said the minute she heard alexandra's voice that she was a winner. I have a feeling the boyband might do it this year though.
I have no choice but to eat well her parents insist on bringing me out for something to eat or make sure i go to their house for some home cooked food, so there is no fear of me starving.

Cynthia is doing well today. She had the drains removed and seems to be doing ok without them. She is responding well to the new drugs she they started her on the other day. The doctors are aiming to take her off the breathing machine on monday all going well. They said they would wait until monday as she only had the drains removed today and they want to make sure that she is strong enough. Her parents and i are absolutly delighted that she is starting to respond well and that she is fighting through this.

Thank you all for your prayers, support and kind words over the last week.
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 17, 2008, 12:29:07 AM: Hi,

I would just like to thank ye all again for all your support over the last week, i couldn't get over how supportive it is really appreciated.
Cynthia had a good day today. There was no need to put back in the chest drains. The doctor is pleased with her condition today, and he is hopeful that his plan to take her off the breathing machine tomorrow will go ahead. He said when he takes her off the machine she will need to stay in icu for a couple of days before being moved to ward. This is so they can keep a close eye on her breathing and to see how she copes off the machine. So i'll be keeping my fingers crossed that she has a good night tonight and that all goes well tomorrow.
It has been great to get to know the people that have helped cynthia so much when she was feeling overwhelmed by her knees, ye made such a difference to her and put her mind at ease about her knee problems. God lover her she though she was starting to fall apart.
I have a big surprise for cynthia when she is strong enough, so hopefully she'll be back posting ye very soon so she can tell ye all what it is.
A heart felt thank you to ye all.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 17, 2008, 09:02:53 AM: JOhn

That all sounds very promising and i am praying that today goes well and everything goes the way it should. I could probably guess what your suprise is and i sure hope i m right.

John, yes we have been here to support you but oh boy have you been great too. You have kept people informed as to what has been going on, been there for Cynthia and her parents and never under estimate how important is has been for Cynthia to know that you have been there for her every step of the way. You deserve all the good things that will be coming your way, and i only hope that out of all this new friendships etc have been made.

I am on a late shift at work tonight so will be logging on to see how she is much later and am looking forward to more good news.

Have a great day

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 17, 2008, 01:55:46 PM: Hi John,

Missed posting this weekend. Glad there has been steady progress! Hopefully the breathing machine can come off today. Hope she is in a regular ward by Wednesday or Thursday.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 17, 2008, 11:45:53 PM: Hi,

Cynthia came off the breathing machine today. She is still wired up to the heart moniter and has an oxygen tube like you see on the tv up her nose. She hasn't said very much today as she has slept most of the day. I thought i'd be fighting with her to get her to stay in bed, but she hasn't even tried to get up she seems to be breathless still when she speaks and is very weak, she can just about lift her head off the pillow. She is holding her own so far, so things seem to be on the right road at long last.

The gang down in the station where i work have been great over the last week as well as you guys. My sergant has given me leave till the end of this month and if i need more time he said he will extend it. He has also assured me that i will not be roistered on for any night shifts until after christmas so i can be at home with cynthia at night to keep an eye on her.

A big thank you to all you guys for your support over the last week. I'll keep ye posted with updates daily until cynthia is well enough to do it herself. I told her today that ye were all wishing well and she says thank you all be it in a whisper but i knew what she ment.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 18, 2008, 12:15:22 AM: YEAAAHHHHH that sounds like such good news i am so pleased..............she will improve daily now i am sure.................

Will post again tomorrow!!

Love and continued prayers

Lisa
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 18, 2008, 01:04:20 AM: Yeah it's good news. I'm sure cynthia will get stronger every day.

Thank you all so much
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on November 18, 2008, 02:33:16 AM: John...I am so glad that Cynthia is getting better with each day. I know its been a really long, frightening week for you, and this has to be such a relief. I will continue to keep her in my prayers, as well as you and her family.

Take care....

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TIBBAR on November 18, 2008, 03:12:48 PM: Oh so very glad that things are turning around for Cynthia and you :)
Keeping her in my prayers. Hopefully her "little" docs will come see her again and cheer her up. Take care all. TIBBAR
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 18, 2008, 11:01:39 PM: Hi

Thanks for the well wishing posts yesterday.
Cynthia is much the same as she was yesterday. She is still very weak and sleeping alot. She doesn't seem to have much fight left in her today, i'm just hoping she gets it back very soon.
Tibbar - I think your right about getting her little friends back in to see her again it might give her some of her fight back when she sees them. I suppose i wouldn't blame her being so down, she's been through a hell of a over the last week.
Anyway i'm sure she'll get better as the days go on.

Thanks for all the posts and kind thoughts,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on November 19, 2008, 07:13:51 AM: Hi John

I hope and trust that a good night was had by you all, that you slept well and that Cynthia also had a good night.

Lots of sleep will be normal as she needs to let her body recover from the ordeal it has been through and sleep is the best way of doing just that. Remember that it is now 'normal' sleep. You will start noticing little things, little improvements each day, which will get more and more and then she will be back to her fighting spirit. Yes, Tibbar is right her little friends will help, as long as the doctors dont think she will get too worn out, but i know from posting with you over the last week that you would be puttting her welfare first anyway.........you have been great through this and dont forget that its been quite a journey for you as well..........one which is hopefully near completion.

Well as i am at work i had better not be on too long, i dont like posting too much from here, especially when i have only just returned to work after 18 weeks off myself. Have a great day and i will post again from home later.

Much love to you both

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 19, 2008, 11:53:18 AM: Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the post.
Cynthia had a it of an up and down night lastnight. I think she must have picked up some kind of bug on top of everything else. She is complaining of a really bad headache and is saying it going down her neck. She was actually crying with the pain this morning, and the crying made her take a fit of coughing which in turn made her breathing difficult again. The nurses put her on the nebuliser and it seemed to settle the attack. She won't let anyone put on any lights, they seem to be annoying her, even the light off the laptop is effecting her so i've had to go out into the relatives room to send this message. She has been throwing up since about 5am and is absolutly exhausted. The nurse checked her temp and blood pressure, her temp was 39.5 and her blood pressure was 155/105. I asked were they normal and all i was told is that they were a bit elevated but they had called the doctor and that he would be round shortly. The nurse said the raised levels could be as a result of her being so distressed at the minute.
I'm going to go back into her now, i don't like leaving her like that. Hopefully the doctors are around soon and we can find out whats going on. It seems like she is taking one step foward and two back.

Will post later,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 19, 2008, 02:23:42 PM: Hi John,

She may have caught something else too, but it could still be the pnemunoia. I know for while my husband could not tolerate bright lights and had a fierce headache. He would get coughing fits too, very scary. Much of the coughing could be just her body trying to get rid of the gunk in her lungs. It sure is painful to watch though. The nebulizer treatments should help a lot. Blood pressure can go up quite a bit more than we think when the body is stressed, so she is probably ok. The fever (if 39 is a fever, I'm not too good with Celcius over here) is probably from the infection she already has. It will probably up and down, but it should be more up from now on. Take care. Hang in there.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on November 19, 2008, 06:56:55 PM: Hi John,
I've been following your story, but haven't posted because I've not corresponded with Cynthia personally. Just wanted to let you know that you have my prayers and good wishes also.

As a migraine sufferer, I can tell you that bright lights do tend to make the pain worse, so the darker you can keep the room, the better. Try to keep her from crying, because that will cause her facial muscles to tighten up more and make things worse. The key to managing this type of headache is to get plenty of fluids and to stay as relaxed as possible. Sometimes a gentle massage helps, around the temples and across the areas that are throbbing the most. My oldest daughter swears by my headache massages. I've also found that it's less painful to sit up than to be lying flat down.

Cynthia is a lucky woman to have such a caring BF. You've been phenomenal through this whole ordeal. I know it's frustrating when it seems like things are going backwards, but ups and downs are totally normal when someone is recovering from such a draining illness. Keep taking it one day at a time and lean on all of us here whenever you need to.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 19, 2008, 11:39:25 PM: Hi Milly - Terre,

Cynthia is still much the same tonight. The doctors did loads of tests today, she must be feeling like a pin cushion at this stage, the last test they did this evening was a lumber puncture and they came back to us tonight to tell us that cynthia has viral meningitis on top of everything else. They say they don't treat it with antibiotics that they will just keep a close eye on her over the next few days. They said she will get headaches for a number of weeks but that they won't be as severe as they are today. I don't know how she keeps going it's one thing after another, if it was me i'd have given up a long time ago. I have no idea how she caught this as she has been in here for the last week and i don't know that much about it.
When we told her all she was worried about were the kids that were in to visit her during the week. She said there ammune systems aren't as strong as ours and that they could pick something like this alot easier. She is even more upset now at the idea of her passing on this to her little friends. I have tried to comfort her telling her it wouldn't be her fault but it's no good.
If anyone has any ideas on how i could cheer her up as i'm running out of ideas.

Thanks for your continued support and prayers,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on November 20, 2008, 07:31:59 PM: Dear John and Cynthia,

I am really sorry to hear that you're having to fight another setback. I just wanted to let you know that I am still thinking of you both. You wonder how Cynthia keeps going well obviously for "YOU". You have been great and I am sure having you by her side must be behind her strenght and determination to get through this.

Don't be hard on yourself, you're facing a very hard time and you've been extraordinary!!! You may not realize it but I am sure everyone here on the board agrees with me a 100%. Just a couple of weeks ago I was feeling so sorry for myself because of my knee and Cynthia who obviously has more health problems than I do was trying to reassure and giving me advise. She's a really "big" person and even though it's hard for you, I am more relaxed knowing that she's got you by her side.

I cannot tell what may cheer her up right now, but just you being by her side must be it. It's normal for you to feel desperate and down at times, you've had to deal with so many setbacks.

I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

best,
N
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 20, 2008, 10:38:22 PM: John and Cynthia

I hope today has been a better day for you both. I am sorry my posts have been short this week...........i cannot beleive how work has made me so tired. It's my first week of full time hours since the 30 th june. No excuses though as i am sure you are exhausted.
own strength up
John you being there and being you will make Cynthia happy. Just keep reassuring her how much she is loved and how much she is cared for. The friends she has, little and big all love her and want her to get better.

Perhaps when she feels up for it you could get her some of her favourite food............or buy her a silly cuddly toy just to make her smile............failing that just you being there will be enough.

John keep looking after yourself too, i worry that you are putting too much pressure on yourself...........you need to keep your own strength up too......................sleep well tonight..........thats my prayer tonight

Much Love

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 21, 2008, 12:28:38 AM: Hi Lisa - Nadialife,

Thank you very much for your posts.
Cynthia is in much better form today. Her headache has eased considerably and she is no longer getting sick. She seems a bit stronger today. She was awake most of the day today and was chatting away to me, she did have to stop now and again to let her lungs relax and take on a bit of oxygen, but it's great to have her talking again. I knew she was feeling better when she questioned the doctor on his diagnosis of her having viral meningitis, lets just say i don't think he was pleased she questioned him. She reckons if she had meningitis her headache would not have eased over night. I've never seen anybody with it so i don't know how long it takes for them to ease.
She was moved to an isolation ward in icu yesterday and she is hoping to get moved to a regular ward over the weekend or the begining of next week, well this is her hoping cause the doctor hasn't mentioned anything about moving her yet.

Lisa don't worry i have no choice but to look after myself, because i'd have her parents on my back if i didn't. They have been great to me the last week.
I was lying on the bed beside her showing her everbodys posts over the last week and the 2 of us fell asleep, i only woke up about an hour ago but i'm sure i'll have no problem getting back to sleep later on. Cynthia's still asleep(lazy thing ;D ;D) Ah i'm only joking it's good for her to sleep.

I would like to get the nurses in icu a present for looking after cynthia so well and for letting me stay with her at night. They said wasn't usually allowed, but as she was so sick and i can be very persuasive they got me a thing like a fold up camp bed and let me stay with her. So i would just like to get something nice to show my appreciation. Since i'm not much good at picking presents for women(or so i've been told) i thought ye might have ideas on what women like.

Cynthia sends her love to all of ye and hopes to be in touch with ye herself very soon. We're just taking each day as it comes from now on as she's had more ups and downs than a rollercoaster in the last week.
I will update again soon.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 21, 2008, 03:04:00 PM: Hi John,

Glad Cynthia is doing better. It's good to get them talking again isn't it? As for the nurses, not sure what to get them. Not much help there. Personally chocolate is good, but there are so many watching diets, don't know if it's a good idea or not. Hope you get some better suggestions. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on November 21, 2008, 04:28:27 PM: John....Im so glad things are improving with Cynthia. Thats great news. Still keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.

How about ordering a nice floral arrangement that the nurses can put at their nurses station and can enjoy them each day? :)

Hang in there, John. You have been so good to Cynthina. She is very lucky to have such a wonderful person in her life. :)

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 21, 2008, 06:42:32 PM: Flowers, wine, chocolates, biscuits..............you know John actually us ladies are quite easily pleased really!!

Glad Cynthia is feeling a bit better and that will help you too. You have been awesome through all this..............wow lucky Cynthia having you in her life............i'm single have you a nice brother for me?

Prayers continuing and tomorrow i will be at my friends for the x factor night and i know they will ask how she is ............they have been praying for her recovery tooo.

Got my friends 11 year old staying tonight as we are charity bag packing tomorrow to raise money for my next trip to Africa so take care and give my love to Cynthia............even though she doesnt know who i am .............yet!

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 21, 2008, 07:21:34 PM: Milly - Donna - Lisa

Thank you all for your posts.
Cynthia says hello to all of ye and is looking foward to getting to know the people she doesn't know yet.
She is good form today. She still has her oxygen tube in, her blood pressure and temperature are starting to come down, so i'm sure when they are back to normal she will be feeling even better.
Milly it's a great that she is talking again, i was lost there for a while without hearing her voice.
I was in contact with a nurse and she said you can't go wrong with chocolates so i think it will be flowers and chocolates for the lovely nurses.

Lisa - Sorry i have 3 older sisters, but no brothers. I haven't been that awesome through all this. You either love someone or you don't, if you love them then where else would you want to be but with them and it's times like this that you actually realise how much you love someone when you come so close to losing them.
Good luck with the bag packing tomorrow. Lucky you going to Africa.

Thanks to everyone

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on November 21, 2008, 08:32:59 PM: hi John,

I think the chocolate is a great suggestion, especially when we "women" are on a diet it's the best excuse to give in and say 'hi it's was a gift, it would be impolite'. On top of it I think the nurses good use a sugarly threat for the long shifts.

Great to hear Cynthia has been doing better.Her questioning the doctor is a good sign, sounds like her.

best,
n
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 21, 2008, 11:48:52 PM: Hi Nadialife,

I never knew ye women had such a thing for chocolate.
She definetly seems to be on the mend and i don't think there is anthing else that could go wrong.
Cynthia says hello and hopes to be back posting again soon.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 23, 2008, 12:31:55 AM: Hi

Cynthia has had a good day today, she says hello to you all.
She is improving a little bit everyday. She starting to get a bit of colour back in her cheeks at last. Her blood pressure is nearly back to normal, she still has a bit of a temperature they said this is because of the infection.
The nurse was with her this eveing and said that to cynthia that she was tachycardic again. I asked cynthia what this was and she told me it was nothing and not to be worrying. I'm not to sure what it is and i can't help but worry.
She hopes to get moved to a regular ward on monday which will be great, it'll be one step closer to getting home.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 23, 2008, 11:09:04 PM: Hi

Cynthia had a great day today. We are hoping tomorrow she will be moved to a regular ward. I'd say they will because if she asks them again they'll kill her. She keeps telling them ICU is for sick people. The nurses said to her "you obviously don't realise exactly how sick you really were and that you are still sick and it will be a while before you recover fully". Cynthia just looked at the nurse and said "I think you've got me confused with someone else, do i look like i was very sick", The nurse looked at me, laughed and said you have your hands full with that one.

So as you can see from what i've just told you Cynthia is clearly getting back to old self.

She got a surprise yesterday and can't wait to tell ye all what it is. When she some of the iv's taken off she'll be back posting to ye.

I can't believe it has been 2 weeks now since cynthia went into hospital. I would like to thank you all for your continued support, prayers and kind messages over the last 2 weeks. Her parents and myself really appreciated it.

Hope ye are all well.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 23, 2008, 11:52:26 PM: John,

What great news. Sounds like she is getting better all the time. If she feels good enough to give the staff grief then she should be ready for the regular ward. Hope she's back posting soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on November 24, 2008, 04:17:00 AM: OMG John,
that nurse is right, she's quite the firecracker! lol! Good to hear that she's feisty enough to be giving the staff a hard time. Can't wait to hear about the big surprise, though I think I can guess what it is. All the best to you both.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 24, 2008, 08:36:54 AM: She must be feeling loads better what great news...................YEAH!!!

I am looking forward to talking with Cynthia too.

You must all now be finally starting to relax some and get real rest and thats good too. If the suprise is what we think it is i bet she is happy now eh?

LOL Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 24, 2008, 11:46:10 PM: Hi,

Thanks again for all the posts.

Cynthia was moved to a normal ward today, they gave her a single room so she as her immune system is so low and they don't want her picking up any more bugs. She is a lot happier now that she is moved. She has no more moniters on her, but still has a few IV's in each arm. She still hasn't ate much yet, she says she's not hungry but.
The nurses told her that if she needs to get out of bed for any reason that she has to call them as she hasn't been up and about since all this happened and she may get light headed.
Her parents and myself went to get something to eat at about 5pm. Cynthia needed to use the bathroom and decided she didn't need any help and ended up collapsing, she doesn't seem to realise she is as weak as she is, she thinks she's invincible. But she's ok after her collapse, the nurse told her off for not calling them and her excuse was that they are busy enough without her calling them everytime she needs to get up.
We are definetly starting to relax, and for the first time in 2wks i'm going to go home tonight and get a decent sleep (on cynthia's order, and believe me you don't argue with her).

Lisa - Terre
I'll have to keep ye guessing what my surprise was,she can tell you all herself when she is able, and cynthia is definetly happy with it.

Cynthia sends her love to you all and hopes you are all well.

Thanks again for your good wishes,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 25, 2008, 09:21:23 PM: Hey John ,

Glad she's in a regular room now. It is a pain to have to call someone when you need to get out of bed. Hope she will do so in the future. It is good that she feels like she can do for herself. It may be hard to keep her from over doing, but you can only try. You don't stop and think that you have been lying around for two weeks and you will be weak not to mention dizzy. Good to get home for a real sleep isn't it? You two take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 25, 2008, 11:32:28 PM: Hi Milly,

Thanks for the post.
It was great to get home last night for a real sleep. I didn't realise how tired i really was, i didn't wake up until 11am today. I've never slept for so long before.
I'm here with Cynthia now and she says hello and not to feel sorry for me that i'm just lazy(very witty isn't she).
I think she learned her lesson yesterday, she's actually asking for help today(i'm shocked) this is something she never does.
I had to do physio on her chest this evening(under supervision from physiothearpist), i was afraid of my life that i was going to hurt her. She didn't complain so i mustn't have done to bad a job.
She isn't able to post yet because she still gets tired very easy and still has IV's in her arms. She's hoping to get rid of the some IV's tomorrow so she might be able to post tomorrow when there are less wires around her.

Thanks again
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 26, 2008, 02:25:02 PM: Hey John,

Glad she's asking for help when needed. Nothing like falling on one's face to make you humble. :P I've seen so of the therapy for lung issues and it does look and sound a bit like you are beating them to death. It helps loosen any junk in the lungs so it can come out and she can breathe better. I think if you hurt her while doing it, she would let you know. Hope the IVs can start comming out. Those darn things make it difficult to do anything with out getting tangled, and pulling on them hurts! Did that with one in my hand, the tube got stuck under the rail and I thought I had more tether line, OUCH! Sounds like the long sleep did you good. Wish I could have gotten half that. Had a reaction to my pain meds last night and was up for a couple of hours. Yuck! Well, one more day of work then we have a 4 day weekend. As long as I don't fall asleep and drool on the keyboard (since I'm the one that fixes that stuff at work, don't need to make more work for myself). Take care and hope to hear from Cynthia herself soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on November 26, 2008, 06:26:11 PM: Hi John Hi Cynthia

Hope you are both well, sorry I haven't posted for a few days but have had a few issues i.e passed out when I had my brace removed!! and have been working hard on my PT

Cynthia am sure you must be feeling a lot better for being on a normal ward and I have a feeling it won't be long before you are giving out to the nursing staff about going home (if you haven't been already!), try to take things easy otherwise I will have to come over and be your private nurse!!

Ok have to call it a night have had to increase my pain meds over the past 2 days and am going for a hot bath and an early night.

You guys take care,

Maria
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 26, 2008, 07:22:32 PM: Things finally seem to be on the up and up and thats great news. I am pleased that Cynthia has good fighting spirits..........a sure fire sign of recovery happening i feel. I am also pleased that John you relaxed enough to go home and sleep, it certainly sounds as though you needed it.

I have been busy trying to get used to being back at work.........still wears me out far more than it should but am getting there..........i just wish i knew where 'there' was so i could get there sooner.

Love to you both

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 26, 2008, 11:55:49 PM: Hi,

Cynthia is beside me telling what to type tonight as she is to tired to type herself, but hopes to be posting tomorrow.

Milly- Definetly falling flat on her face made her see that she needs help to do things, i know she hates asking for help but it's only a short term thing i'm sure she will be strong enough soon to do things for herself. You're right about the physio looking like i'm beating the crap out of her, a few of the girls that work for her came up to see her today and she told them that the doctors were letting me beat her up(good job they knew that she was joking). She has definetly got her sense of humour back anyway.

Lisa- Things are definetly on the up and up. I got to bring her for a walk today, well she was in a wheel chair but it got her out of the ward for a while and she enjoyed the spin, she reckoned i thought i was driving my police car the way i took the corners ;D ;D. She is sure that you'll get back into the swing of working again soon and that you won't get so tired as easy.

Maria- Cynthia is sorry to hear that you are having such a bad time with your knee at the minute as am i. We hope your PT isn't working you to hard, and that you get some relief from your pain. Cynthia is feeling much better since getting out of icu, and yes she is already asking when she can go home. They are telling her when her chest x-rays show that her infection has cleared and when she can hold a conversation without becoming breathless and needing oxygen then they will think about letting her home. I think she scared herself when she collapsed so she has been asking for help ever since that and has been taking things easy.
She has just laughed when i showed her what you wrote about coming over to be her private nurse if she doesn't behave herself. She said "the way your knee is at the minute that i'd have to look after the both of you". I'm sure you are a better patient than she is and that you listen to what you are told. We hope that you have a good painless sleep tonight and that the hot bath did the trick.

Cynthia is dying to tell ye what her surprise was. I have to download the photos of it onto the laptop as she wants to post a photo of it, so if she's able to post tomorrow she will thell and show ye waht it was.

We hope ye all had a good day today

John and Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 27, 2008, 09:15:37 AM: So Cynthia is back in control eh John? ;D ;D

I think it's great Cynthia that you are encouraging me even though as of yet we haven't spoken......that goes to show just what a special person you are!! I guess the reason why i get so tired apart from not being used to being at work yet is the nastiness of one person in particular who doesnt help in the slightest, but i suppose you get that in most workplaces and i should be grateful that i rarely have to work with her as she works on shift with another Assistant Manager not be. I am sure she deliberately tries to wind me up, then i get more wound up because she does................

I will be soon going back to see my knee surgeon and then he will make the decision as to whether more work has to be done to sort it out............9th Dec is 'd' day..........decision day!!

I am looking forward to seeing/hearing all the news and am looking forward to another good day for you both!!

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 27, 2008, 06:33:37 PM: Hello everyone,

Just a quick post to let ye know that i'm back in the land of the living. I'm still feeling very weak and tired but i'll be back to normal soon.
Right first tings first- Thank you all very much for your kind thoughts, prayers and keeping my for keeping my John gooing for the last 2 weeks, it's nice to know how much people really care.
I don't remember to much of what happened to me, i don't know if this is a good or a bad thing(i'm sure it's probably a good thing). I feel so lucky to have such a loving boyfriend, with all that happened over the last 2wks i wouldn't have blamed him if he just left but he stuck by me and kept me going when i was ready to give up. My parents have told me that he never left my side, and stayed every night when i was in ICU.
I know this is going to sounds like i'm going mad(maybe i am). But at some stage when i was in icu i had a weird thing happen to me, i could hear sirens or something like that going off and see nurses and doctors working on me, john was standing at the end of the bed begging me not to leave him and one of the nurses were trying to get him to go somewhere with her. Then all i remember my grandad's voice telling me"it's not your time yet" and then i remember nothig after that. I know it's sound a bit like i'm going mad. Maybe i've been in here to long or else i was just dreaming.

Lisa- I have the same problem with a nasty person at work. It annoys them more if you just ignore them and don't let them get to you. Try not to rise to her bait when she winds you up, i know it's hard but it's important not to let her see that she's getting to you, if she does she'll know she's wearing you down. Good luck with the knee surgeon on the 9th i'm sure things will go well for you.

Well i tell ye all my good news now. My lovely John asked me to marry him, and of course i said yes. The nurses in icu said it was there first engagment and were all coming in for a look at the ring. I think he got help picking the ring but he's not saying anything. I'm attaching a photo of the ring, john has it at home cause i can't wear it at the minute and i'm afraid of it going missing.

I'm getting a bit tired now i'll post again after i have a bit of a rest

Take Care
Lots of love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on November 27, 2008, 06:59:30 PM: Hee hee i guessed that what it was.....what a beautiful ring............i did ask if he had any brothers but to no avail............you are both going to make a wonderful husband and wife...........wow.........congratulations!!!

That's not a wierd thing Cynthia, that happened, i have heard of many people experiencing things like that so don't be phased by that.you were very very poorly and had many people worried.

He would have not left your side, because i am sure to everyone here, it is obvious through his posts just how much he loves you and has been so worried about you, you have a good soul mate there.....still looking for mine!!

Make sure that you dont overdo it Cynthia by posting too much, now you are definately on the mend none of us want you to have a set back........take it easy and get lots of rest.

I am at work right now and finish at 22.30, so wont post much, i dont like to post much when i am at work, prefering to do so at home.

Have a great evening..............Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 27, 2008, 11:11:50 PM: Hi Lisa,

Thanks for the congratulations. I bet it wasn't to easy to guess what Johns surprise was he's not to good at hiding secrets, i had no clue what he was up to this time because i was out of it.
Glad to hear i'm not going mad and that sort of thing happens other people. I'm sorry for worrying so many people, i really should have listened to John when he was at me to go to the doctor, but being my usual stubborn self i didn't listen. I don't think he'll give me an option next time i'm sick he'll just drag me there. But at least the worst is over and one good thing came out of it he finally asked me to marry him.
Don't worry about me over doing it, i think i've learned my lesson.
John was telling me you asked did he have any brothers, i had to laugh i told him that he must have charmed ye all when i wasn't able to post.
Hope work went well for you tonight. John's here and he says hello.

Best wishes
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on November 28, 2008, 04:19:26 AM: Hi Cynthia....I never posted to you before, but read the story of you being sick and have been following your recovery closely. I am so glad you are feeling better. I, too, am asthmatic, and know all the problems it can cause and what it can lead to. I am just so glad that you are ok. I will continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

John seems like a wonderful guy. Definitely a keeper. Congratulations on your engagement. Your ring is beautiful.

Take care....

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on November 28, 2008, 08:15:13 AM: Morning Cynthia.................and John

I trust you had a good nights sleep as i did eventually. Found it quite hard to switch off after a late shift but never mond.

Work was ok last night....very boring as we are shutting soon there isnt much to do except serve the customers and it was very quiet last night. I guess the colder weather means that not many people want to swim as much eh?

I am not working today as i still have plenty of annual leave (after 18 weeks off sick thats not suprising eh?) and there is a uiz on at the gym that i wanted to go to, and i alse help at an after school club and didnt want to let he kids down so i took leave so i can do it. The kids are lovely and the club has 3 weeks left to run. By taking today off i should be able to do all of them, if the manager lets me leve half hour early next time i am on the early shift, which i am sure she will.

Lets not think about a next time though Cynthia, i will be praying now for good health for you so that there wont be any more scary illnesses, good health = good life.

So have a good day with continued recovery, i hope you are continuing to feel stronger day by day.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on November 28, 2008, 04:13:09 PM: Congratulations, Cynthia and John!
Yeah, I think we all kinda guessed what the big surprise was. Pretty drastic way to get a guy to propose, but what a story it's gonna make for your kids and grandkids! lol!

John impressed everyone here with his caring and concern. He is a keeper for sure. Best wishes to you both.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 28, 2008, 06:19:23 PM: Hi all,
Thanks for your posts.

Lisa- You wouldn't blame people not wanting to swim with the wearher being so cold at the minute, but i presume it will open again after the christmas. It will be fun to spend a bit of time with the kids, i think kids are great you can be in the worst of humour and you can be guaranteed they'll make you laugh and out a smile on your face.

Donna- It's nice to hear from you,thanks for your congratulations and good wishes. I hate being an asthmatic mainly because i don't like taking my inhalers, but i just have to do as i'm told and get on with life. John is definetly a keeper, he is the most kind and considerate man i have ever known.

Terre- Thanks for the congratulations. I thought ye might have guessed, he has never been able to hide anything very well. I suppose it was a pretty drastic way to get him to pop the question, and i don't think many people would believe us if we told them how we got engaged.

If john impressed you all that much he definetly turned the charm on. Ah i'm only joking, i don't know what i'd do without him, we are both mad about each other.
I'll post again later, getting a bit tired now and have drugs to take.

Hope ye are all well

Take care
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 29, 2008, 11:44:09 PM: Hi,

Hope everyone is keeping well.

I'm so bored in here, i'm sick of the sight of this hospital, don't get me wrong the nurses are so good to me but there is definetly no place like home. All there is to do is watch the tv or read, both of which you can only do for so long. Speaking of tv has anyone been following the x factor, i've obviously missed a couple off weeks of it but the wrong person went home tonight. I thought Ruth had the strongest voice and would definetly make it to the final.

John was asked to work tonight as they needed extra men on duty, so i only got to see him for a little while today as he needed to get some sleep before going on duty. So i'm all on my own tonight(poor little me).

Sorry if i sound like i'm moaning, i think i'm feeling a little sorry for myself tonight.

Best wishes to you all, i trust you are all in good health(apart from the knees)

Take care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on November 30, 2008, 08:24:03 PM: Hi Cynthia,

I am so happy to hear your doing better, I have been checkig regularly to see how you were doing. Although it was nice chatting with John I am so glad that we're getting posts again from you. And congratulations. John is a really special guy and I am so happy for the both of you.

I hope you get to gohome soon.

Best,
Nadia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 30, 2008, 11:45:52 PM: Hi Nadia,

This is John again, Cynthia has a headache and the light on the laptop is annoying her so she can't type tonight. I think she is pushing herself to hard in the hope they will let her home. I've told her to take it easy and not to be over doing it, they won't let her out until they feel she is well enough to go home.(I think it went in one ear and out the other).
She still hasn't much energy and get tired very easy, she sleeps for most of the day. I've noticed when she gets tired her breathing gets harder. Will you guys do me a favour and tell her to take things easy, i don't see the point in her going home before she is able to. i'd be afraid she'll end up back in the hospital with a relapse because i know when she gets home she will find it hard to take it easy, so i want it to be the doctors that discharge her and not her telling them she is going home.

Cynthia says she is sorry for not posting tonight but will post tomorrow.

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 01, 2008, 12:28:52 AM: OK John, tough love it is.

Cynthia, I'm sorry to hear that you have another headache, but I'm not surprised. You've been through a hell of a lot of trauma in the past few weeks and your body is going to need time and rest to recover. Believe me, as a veteran of 7 knee surgeries, 4 of which involved crutches, I know how difficult it is to be patient and how mind-numbingly bored you can get when you can't do much, but you simply MUST slow down and be patient. It does you no good to push yourself too hard and end up suffering a relapse like this. You know that will only result in the doctors keeping you in hospital longer. Please listen to your caregivers and take it a bit slower. We're all rooting for you to get out of there and back to your life, but NOT if you're only going to end up coming right back again. It's tough, sweetie, but you HAVE to take it easy. Look at it this way, when are you ever going to have another chance to lounge around in bed all day and have friends, family and a whole nursing staff at your beck and call?!
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on December 01, 2008, 10:33:20 PM: Ok Madam,

Lets get a few things sorted here. All the trauma you have been through over the past weeks is more than most people go through in a life time, this is not something that you are going to get over in just a few days.
Your body and mind need time to heal, and it can only do that if you rest up take things easy and stop pushing yourself to do to much.

I hate to come over all blunt and bossy, but you young lady need to take things easy (god I sound like my mum!)
Joking aside Cynthia I really don't think you know how lucky you have been. I see patients and families who have been through similar things and it takes a heck of a longtime to recover, for patients and family and relapse at this stage is a very real prospect. Sorry to say it but you need to hear it.

So consider yourself told off! Nurse Maria has spoken.
Take care get plenty of rest, it's great that you are posting again but believe me we will all be here even if you have a few days off from posting.

Sorry to be tough, but am sure you parents and John will agree with me.

Take care chick.

Maria x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 01, 2008, 11:29:27 PM: Hi Maria-Terre,

I hear what ye are saying. I know ye are right, i think my problem is that i'm to head strong and when i want to do something i'll try my hardest to make sure i can do it. I most definetly don't want a relapse i don't think i could go through all that again.

God Maria you we sounding like my mother too. I'm just sick of being in constant pain and taking a cocktail of drugs. I know all you guys have pain to with your knees( i wish it was just my knees that were sore i could cope with that). I just want to be able to get up out of bed and do things for myself without relying on someone to help me. I feel rotten all of the time and i'm sure i'm not a fun person to be around at the minute. I think i'm just feeling sorry for myself and everything that has happened me is just getting on top of me.
Sorry for moaning but i'm not in very good form at the minute, i just wish this was all over.

Take care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on December 02, 2008, 10:40:49 AM: Hi Cynthia

I know what you mean about feeling crap and not being able to do anything for yourself, 6 years ago I crack 3 ribs falling down the stairs, now I know this is nothing compared to what you have been through / going through - but it really is rough when you need someone to help you wash and dress, and you feel like you are going to pass out everytime you cough or laugh.

Try to hang in there, it will get better and look on the bright side Christmas T.V is about to start, and you won't have to get involved in the rugby scrum that is Christmas shopping!!

Sorry if I was too bossy last night but we are all worried about you and just want to see you get better.

Take care, I am so bored I am making chutney and piccalilli (which is hard as still need a walking stick if I stand up for long periods)

Chat soon, Maria
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on December 02, 2008, 11:16:33 AM: Hi Cynthia

Am at work so this wont be too long. Dont rush things honey, i know its hard and you sound just like me in that 'passive' might as well be a swear word to me and that is what i have had to be for the last 6 months. I have just been let off the lead to do some stuff at the gym and it's so non intensive thats it's almost boring, but because it is so long since i have been allowed to do anything i am actually enjoying it.

Work is full of contractors pricing up work to be done to the sight. Next week we are shutting for 3 months for a major refurbishment........wont look the same place when we return.............but we have all had to shipped out to other areas of the council until then.

Also just some good news, so that you can think about some other stuff too, i have been setting up a charity which will predominantly be supporting orphans in Africa and i found out yesterday that it has been approved by the charity commission so now i can get on with it!! HEE HEE is you have other stuff to think about then maybe just maybe you wont be feeling so sorry for yourself.......though that's fine for you to do so as you have had plenty of cause for that.

It will get better with time..........as long as you behave and be a good Girl.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 02, 2008, 04:42:35 PM: Cynthia,
go right ahead and pour out all your frustrations here. You have more than enough reasons to be feeling that way and you'll find lots of sympathetic ears here. It helps sometimes just to get it out of your system. Believe me, I've done my share of whining, especially these last few months. It can get overwhelming at times.

Here's an idea to maybe take your mind off your troubles a bit. How about asking John to pick you up a few bridal magazines, so you could start getting some ideas for the big day? Just a thought. Hope you're feeling better today.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 02, 2008, 10:53:09 PM: Maria, Terre, Lisa,

Thanks for the posts. I'm sorry for being such a baby(which is not the way i usually am).

Terre- It's a nice thought about the bridal magazines, but i can't even read for to long or my head feels like it's going to explode.

Lisa- I'm sure the new place will be great when it's finished, and i'm sure you'll enjoy doing something different for 3 months. You are really a great person setting up a charity. It's a great feeling when you know your hard efforts are helping the poor and vulnerable and when you get out there it will be fantastic to see how the money you have raised is helping those children.

Maria- I haven't a thing bought for christmas yet, and usually i'd have everything sorted by now. Looks like i'll be sending John into town to get vouchers for everyone, because if i left him to pick out presents god knows what people would end up with. Don't worry you weren't too bossy last night, as you say it's just the nurse in you coming out. You really must be bored if you are making chutney, but it's keeping you busy so i'm sure your happy.

My humour didn't improve much today either, and neither did my luck. They were changing my bed today and i was sitting on the seat beside the bed. They were going to help me to get back into the bed but i said i'd be able to do it myself (it wasn't like i had to walk a mile just 2 feet). But when i got up my legs went from under me and i whacked my head off the table beside the bed. I ended up getting my head stitched and needless to say a bloody sore head. I've been so tired all day and the nurses keep popping in to make sure i'm not asleep. They told me i had to try to stay awake, but i'll be going to sleep soon no matter what they say.
I feel like i'd just love to go to sleep and never wake up.

Sorry for all the moaning and being such a pain in the A***,
Apart form all that i do hope ye are all keeping well.

Take care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 03, 2008, 09:14:20 AM: Oh Cynthia Bless you, i hope your head feels a bit better today, how unfortunate that that should have happened, i am sorry.

We are all here for you to vent frustrations etc, moans groans you name it, we aren't going anywhere, so go for it!!

After the last surgery i found some of the people here outstanding in their support, and have gained some real and true friends because of this web site, people that i talk to daily on skype, and people who genuinly care about me as i much as i do about them, it's been invaluable. I live alone and the surgery was difficult physically and mentally and without help that i received i don't know what state i would be in now but i can imagine. So remember we are here and don't be afraid to let it all out...........in fact do, it aids the recovery.

TRy to focus on the good things that are coming your way............you will be marrying a wonderful man who loves you greatly, Christmas is coming and vouchers will be understood from your friends, they know you can't go shopping. AS you improve and get stronger the 'going home' day will get closer and closer..........you have your little friends who clearly love you too, that surely must bring just a little smile to your face. And tomorrow will always bring a new day!!

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 04, 2008, 12:46:38 AM: Hi Lisa,

Thanks for your post. My head is feeling better today, but i have a lovely black eye it looks like i just did a few rounds with Mike Tyson. It's strange that when you hit the side of your head you end up with a black eye. Either this is normal or i'm just weird.

My doctor was with me today and thought it best that i spoke to someone. He was apparently worried about me slipping into a severe depression and felt he needed to keep a close eye on me. You'd swear the way he was talking that i was about to do something really stupid, i might feel a bit down in the dumps at the minute but i don't think i'm about to do anything stupid.

Anyway i spoke with a lovely lady this evening and we had a long chat. I found it really easy to her. She talked to me about what i've gone through in here over the last few weeks and then went on to ask me about how things were before i got sick. She touched on a nerve when she spoke about my grandfather who died earlier this year. She reckons that i never grieved properly for him as i was trying to be strong and be there for my granny and never let my emotions out, that along with all that has happened me in the last few weeks has just taken it's toll on me. I cried for about 10mins when she got me talking about my grandfather and other things.

I do feel a bit better for talking to her and getting everything off my chest. Thanks again for your kindness and support.

Love Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on December 04, 2008, 05:05:53 PM: Hi Chyntia,

Sorry I haven't been on the board for a few days. So I am following up, please please take it easy. I know it's hard and that you would like to go home asap but don't risk anything. John wants you to return home so please don't risk anything and listen to your doctors.

easier said than done, I know, but you just gonna have to do.

Xnadia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 04, 2008, 11:20:01 PM: Hi,

I had a surprise visit today from my sister, her husband and my nephew. My sister was here for a while when i was in icu but i don't remember her being here. I was delighted to see them especially my nephew. He's 2 since september and is very funny. He asks so many questions, he was sitting up in the bed beside me and everthing that came out of his mouth was "what's this for". John, David(my brother in-law) and DJ(my nephew) went into town so me and my sister could have a chat. It was great to talk to her. The boys were gone ages and we were begining to think they had got lost, but then we heard DJ coming sounding very pleased with himself. He comes into my room shouting look what uncle John bought me, a big fireman sam truck. He has John wrapped around his little finger.

It was great to see them and their visit cheered me up a lot. I'm sorry i've been moaning a lot latley, but thank you all for being there for me and helping me through this rough patch.

Nadia don't worry i'm taking things easy, i don't really have a choice as i can't do very much for myself at the minute. Not being able to do anything for myself and an issue had me feeling very fustrated, which led to me feeling so down. But i'm tring to look to the positives and put all the bad stuff behind me.

Thank you all again for helping me through this it's nice to know i have so many caring people i can confide in.
John says a big hello to you all.

Hugs and kisses
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 05, 2008, 06:13:08 PM: Hi Cynthia,
Ouch! That head smack must have hurt tons! Weird that it caused a black eye. Glad to hear that you're OK and feeling more positive.

2 is absolutely my favorite age. I think the term 'terrible twos' is a 'terrible misnomer'. I've always found kids this age to be a lot of fun to have around. Funny, when I was pregnant with our third child, we chose David Jacob for a boy's name and he would have been called DJ. I always thought that was the coolest nickname.

OK, gotta stop procrastinating and get some stuff done before this day gets away from me. Take care, now and no more table antics!! Hi to John, too.
Hugs, Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 05, 2008, 11:56:46 PM: Hi,

Terre- That head smack was fairly sore. The cut is starting to itch now so it must be healing. Kids of DJ's age are definitely great fun to have around. They do come out with the funniest of things and always keep you busy.
I don't think i'll be doing any more table antics, the last one hurt to much.

I had another visit from the lady who i spoke to the other day. She says i seem to be pulling myself out of the rut i was in(thank god). I hated feeling so down. John had to go back to work today. They were very good to give him so long off and when i get out they are going to give him a few more weeks off so he can look after me, so he couldn't really say no to them when they asked him if he would come back until i get out. I have to keep myself busy when he's at work because when i have nothing to do i start to think about everything and for some reason i get upset or just feel depressed. My mum and dad do come in to visit me everyday but it's not the same as talking to John.

I still have an oxygen tube up my nose and was hoping they would be taking it out soon. They sent me for another chest x-ray today and there is still infection there. They said they won't take me off the oxygen yet because when they cut it back they noticed a change in my breathing. I was started on another new antibiotic today and am still on steroids, and a cocktail of other drugs along with the nebuliser which i have to use about 4 times a day. The nebuliser gives me the shakes for an hour after i use it(I look like someone who's had a load to drink).

I'm rambling a bit now so i'll stop here. I hope ye are all fit and well.

Hugs,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 08, 2008, 12:09:09 AM: Hi,

I hope ye all had a good weekend.

My weekend has been fairly boring in here. A couple of the girls from work came in to see me today it was great to see them. It was good to catch up on all the gossip from work, and believe me there is plenty of that where i work. There is never a dull moment in there. They were telling me the other night that a guy came in drunk took a bottle of whiskey off the shelf and walked around the store drinking it, when he was approached he pulled out a knife, the police came and arrested him and thankfully no one was hurt. 10 mins later another drunk guy came in and starting throwing punches because nobody would serve him alcohol. I've always said that the store been open all night is a bad idea, that there are to many lunatics out there, I think that just proved what i have been saying is true.

John was in this evening before he went to work and he said if i was going online to tell ye all that he says hello. Not a lot has changed in here. I'm still taking loads of drugs and have the oxygen thing up my nose still. The new antibiotics don't seem to be agreeing with me at the minute, they are giving me a very bad pain in my side and i've been sick with them a few times. I think when they come around with them again i'll ask them if they can give me anything different that will agree with me. My temperature was slighty high tonight, not sure why but they brought a fan into the room and have it on, it's bloody freezing in here with it on.

Hope ye are all well,
Chat soon,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 08, 2008, 03:07:48 PM: Hi Cynthia

I hope you had a great weekend as i did at work.

Well tomorrow is the day when i see my surgeon to find out what is going on with my knee. It will be a strange day as i go to work, leave to go to my appointment and then go back to work.....but hey.

Well i will post more later, i just wanted you to know that i was thinking about you and that i am sending good healing prayers and wishes over the pond to bonny Ireland.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 08, 2008, 11:50:11 PM: Hi guys.

Cynthia can't post tonight so your stuck with me again.

Cynthia had been complaining over the weekend of pains in her stomach and being sick, she put it down to the antobiotics. I was working all weekend so i was popping in and out to see her when i was able to, i presumed she had told the doctor or even the nurses that she had pains in her stomach they already knew she was sick as they had to come in and out to her a few times, but she decided she would diagnose herself and not mention it to them. I rang her parents last night and they said she was fine, i asked them how her stomach pains, but they knew nothing about it, she hadn't told them. Her mother said she had asked her a couple of times was she feeling ok that she looked very pale, but cynthia said she was just tired so they left early to let her get some sleep.
I came off duty at 7am this morning and decided to call in to see how she was before i went home for some sleep. She was terrible looking and had a very bad pain in her right side. She said she had to call the nurses during the night because the pain was very bad. They gave her something for the pain but it didn't seem to do anything for it.
I decided to go out and speak to the nurses as cynthia wasn't making much sense. They said that the doctor had been with her at about 3am and gave her something for the pain and to help her get some sleep. He was coming back to see her at 7.30am before starting his ward rounds. When he came he examined her and took some blood, he didn't say much and said he would be back in 30mins when he had the blood results. When he arrived back he told me that the pain and sickness cynthia was suffering was coming from her appendix and that he would have to remove it. So at about 9am this morning they wheeled Cynthia down to theatre to remove her appendix.
I was told the operation only takes an hour so i decided to wait in her room for her to come back. She didn't come back to the ward until 2pm, so i could have gone home for a sleep instead i slept on a chair in her room. The doctor came to see me and he said the operation itself went well, he said he opted for the old way of removing her appendix instead of doing it laproscopic. He said he had to make an incision of about 3inches to get at it. He said it was a good job they removed it when they did, if she had left it any longer to tell them about her pains her appendix would have burst. They had a bit of trouble with her breathing when she came round and that is why it took so long to bring her back to the ward.
Cynthia has been very sick since she has come back to the ward, the nurse said that it is to be expected as her appendix was very long and the surgeon had to do a fair bit of rummaging around to get it out. They gave her an injection to settle her stomach and she went to sleep after getting it. I'd say she'll sleep all night now, as the nurses are in and out checking on her and she doesn't even seem to feel them poking at her.
There is never a dull moment here. It's a good job i'm not working tonight, or i'd be asleep behind the wheel of the car.

Lisa- Thanks for the post, Thanks for the prayers and good wishes. I'll send prayers back over the pond to you and hope all goes well with your surgeon tomorrow.

I really don't think there is anything else that could go wrong. Cynthia must be absolutely exhausted after all she has been through i don't think her body could take any more set backs.
I hope she is feeling well enough to post tomorrow.

Best wishes
A very tired John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 09, 2008, 12:58:47 AM: OMG, John, I can't believe she's had to go through yet another trauma. Thank goodness they caught it in time. I know you're going to want to stay with her, but please be sure to take care of yourself, too and get some sleep. You must be so exhausted.
Thanks for passing the news along to us. More prayers and good wishes are heading to you and Cynthia.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 09, 2008, 08:37:40 AM: Oh Jphn/Cynthia

It just seems to be one thing after another for you both at the moment and i wish there was something i could do or say to take it all away so that you could both just have a rest from it all. Instead i will just continue with the prayers............

John - remember how important you are to Cynthia and to us and take care of yourself as well as your beautiful girl.

Cynthia - healing prayers are being flung with gusto across the pond............now maybe that the stomach problems are done then you really can begin the healing process.

We love hearing from you and i a=for one am looking forward to some good news.

Stay safe and let the docs and nurses to their job in looking after you.

Lotsa Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 10, 2008, 12:41:22 AM: Hi,

Lisa, Terre thank you for your kind thoughts and prayers.

Cynthia is very tired today, so she asked me to post you all and let everyone know that she is ok(or in her words she feels like S*** but is ok). They had to give her something this evening to try and settle her stomach, so far so good it seems to have done the trick. She has some pain from the operation but she says it nothing near as bad as the pain she had before it was removed.

Cynthia reckons she must have done something really bad in a past life for all these bad things to keep happening, or else someone has a vodoo doll of her and everytime things start to look good they decide to stick more pins in(she still has a weird sense of humour).

Don't worry about me i'm looking after myself. I went home for a few hours today for some sleep. I have to go back to work tomorrow i'm on night duty for the weekend, so i won't be getting up to early tomorrow.
Ye can tease cynthia when she posts agian, she is sound asleep at the minute and snoring, she sounds like a train going through a tunnel. Ah to be fair she doesn't usually snore to be honest this is the first time i've heard her snore.
She might look like sleeping beauty but she sure doesn't sound like her a the minute ;D ;D

Thanks again for the posts.

Take Care,

John and Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on December 10, 2008, 02:22:29 AM: John/Cynthia,

Wow! See what you miss when you are MIA! Been crazy busy at work, so have not been online.

I am really glad you had them check out the pain. We tend to down play things and get ourselves mired in I think. I will say with everything else going on I likely would not have thought of an appendix problem. Maybe it just figured as long as we are here in the hospital, why not yell to get out. Anyway....joking aside, I am glad Cynthia is doing well considering. It may have been that darn appendix causing some of the fever before as well. Who knows.

Both of you take care and will be praying for Cynthia to come home soon. I don't think it's bad karma or voodoo, but I guess you can never tell ::).

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 10, 2008, 04:50:00 AM: John/Cynthia....

Just wanted to let you both know, that you are still in my thoughts and prayers. Cynthia, I dont think its a voodoo thing. My new husband and I have gone through so much since we met almost 5 years ago. He sayss its the black cloud over his head. I say that its all been tests....to see how strong our relationship is. And so far, we have passed with flying colors in that respect. Its so hard when things keep piling up. But, there is a reason for it all. We have yet another hurdle to overcome as Rick is facing surgery on a cyst in his kidney next Friday. There is a 90% likelihood that it is malignant. BUT....as long as it hasnt spread, and his doc doesnt think it has, it is curable. So, once again, he is saying its the black cloud. And I am saying it could be way worse. So, however hard it is, try and find the positive in all of this. It helps. Its also good that you both have a sense of humor. That makes things so much easier. As my husband says, if it werent for his joking spirit, he would be a mess. You both hang in there. Ill be praying that everything goes uphill from here and that you are home for Christmas, Cynthia.

many hugs....DONNA :)
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 10, 2008, 04:49:33 PM: Cynthia

I dont think its a voodoo thing either, you will both get through this and one day look back on it all and understand. Sometimes we dont kn ow why bad things happen they just do, but how we deal with them strengthens and develops us as individuals, and i think that you have both dealt with it really well.

Donna - My prayers will also be with you on Friday...........if you let me know where in the world you are, and what time i will pray into the op too.

For now i am off...............more later!! XXX
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 10, 2008, 10:58:23 PM: Hi,

I'm back posting again thank god. Lisa and Donna thanks for the kind thoughts and prayers.
I think i was raving when i said someone had a voodoo thing and was sticking pins in me, it's more like just a run of bad luck.

Donna- I'm very sorry to hear that your husband has to have surgery. I really hope everything goes well on friday and that it's not malignant. I'm glad to hear your husband has a positive attitude and a good sense of humour, this will help him to over come any hurdless that are thrown in his way. I'll be thinking about the two of you and praying for good news.

My stomach is healing well now and the pain is nowhere near as bad as it was. I'm feeling a very tired today, but i suppose i shouldn't expect anything else. The anti-biotics i'm on at the minute have knocked for 6, they seem to be very strong. I have been quite wheezie today and have had to use the nebuliser quite a few times. It feels like there is something sitting on my chest and it's not allowing my lungs to get enough air. I still have the oxygen tube up my nose, but it doesn't seem to be helping much at the minute. Apart from all that i'm ok. It's hard to kill a bad thing.

Good luck Donna, hope all goes well.

Hugs,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on December 11, 2008, 12:42:40 AM: Hey Cynthia,

Good to see you posting again. The heavy feeling in your chest will go away in time. I think it's a leftover from the pneumonia. The tired feeling will take a while to fade too. My hubby had the tiredness for a few months after he got out of the hospital with pneumonia. Hopefully things will just keep getting better. Take care and rest when you need to. Hope you are home soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 11, 2008, 10:20:21 PM: Hi,

Milly- Thanks for the post, i really hope i get out of her soon, i need to get some kind of normality back in my life. I love christmas so it's my aim to get home in time for that. I can't wait to get home and see what John has done to the house. One of the girls that work with him came in to see me today. She told me that a few guys from his station went out to the house after they came off their night shift and put up loads of lights on the house, she said it looks like santa's grotto.

I'm not feeling to well today, but if i was well i'm sure i wouldn't be in here. I have hardly any energy, i have to get help to do everything which isn't much fun, cause as you all know i don't like to ask for help. I'm sure all this will change soon as i get better. I hope your right Milly that the tightness in my chest goes away, it's not very comfortable.
John was here before he went on duty and says hello to you all.

I hope ye are all keeping well,

Take Care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 13, 2008, 12:14:52 AM: Hi everyone,

It's me John again. I was ment to be working nights this weekend but i was a bit worried about Cynthia so i phoned my sergeant and told him i wouldn't be in.

I don't like the look of Cynthia tonight, there's something going on she just doesn't look right. They have had her on a moniter since yesterday to keep an eye on her breathing and other things, the machine keeps alarming and frightening the life out of me(you'd think i'd be use to it at this stage).

Her breathing hasn't been very good today, they have her on the oxygen thing but i'm not sure if it's doing her any good. She has been asleep alot today(more so than other days). When she is awake she is finding it very hard to hold a conversation, she gets very breathless very easily. She is also saying that her heart feels like it's going to jump out of her chest. The nurse told me her heart is beating faster than it should be but they don't seem to be doing anything to bring it back down(i'm presuming they can do that). She seems to be in a lot of discomfort even when she's sleeping. She has said to me tonight that she's to tired to keep going, i am willing her on to keep fighting and i just hope she's listening.

I am getting a bit fustrated as nobody in this place seems to be doing anything to help her tonight, her usual doctor is off for a week and there is some locum guy here and he seems very laid back about the whole suitation. I hate to see her like this she is such pain and discomfort tonight, she doesn't complain about pain very often and when she does you know there is something wrong.
I feel like shouting at them all to do something for her, i'm getting very annoyed with the doctor, the nurses are great they are doing there best for her.

Sorry for that rant above but i'm very worried tonight, somethings not right and just seems like no one is listening,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 13, 2008, 07:43:01 AM: John....I just replied to your PM, before I read this.

I am so sorry Cynthia seems worse today, and that they dont seem to be responding the way they need to, to her. I just want you to know, that I will say an extra prayer for her tonight. She has been through so much. Im sure she is tired, but just keep encouraging her to fight. When the lungs are congested, it literally wears you out. Do they do breathing treatments on her? Have they tried steroids? I hope that tomorrow will be a better day and that she will bounce back. If not, Id demand for the doctors to do something. Sometimes you have to really get firm with them.

I will check back tomorrow for an update.

Hang in there.

Donna
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 14, 2008, 12:14:12 AM: Hi,

Donna - Thanks for your support. She has been on steroids for a while now. I'm not sure what you mean when you say breathing treatments, she has the aid of oxygen if that's what you mean. I hope she will bounce back soon.

I spoke with the nurse in charge of the unit to express my concerns about the treatment cynthia was receiving from the locum doctor. I told her in no way was i faulting the care in which her nurses have been giving cynthia. I asked if the doctor that looked after her in ICU could come down to see her. She said she would ring and ask.

The doctor from ICU came down to see her and seemed a bit annoyed that no one had contacted him sooner. He changed the antibiotics cynthia was on again and gave her some kind of a drug to bring her heart rate down. He has moved her back up to ICU so he can keep a closer eye on her and has said if her condition doesn't improve he may have no option but to take over her breathing again. He has run a load of tests to see why she is having chest pain, and to see what the exact cause of this latest problem is.

The ICU consultant apologised for the treatment cynthia recieved yesterday and last night, he said he will be speaking to the locum.

Cynthia is a little more comfortable tonight than she was lastnight, but is still having a lot of discomfort in her chest and her breathing is still not to good. She has quite a high temperature and her heart is still beaing faster than they would like.They are giving her loads of drugs, i haven't a clue what they are all for but i hope they start to do some good soon.
She hasn't reallly been awake at all today, i'm not sure if she's asleep or if she just doesn't have the energy to keep her eyes open. When the doc mentioned that he may need to take over her breathing again she grabbed my arm and said not to let him. But if it comes to it she is going to have to forgive me because i'm going to let him do what he has to do to improve her condition.

Sorry for rambling

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 14, 2008, 06:37:52 AM: John....I hate to see her so sick, but Im glad they put her back in ICU. She will be monitored more closely there. By breathing treatments I mean sort of like the nebulizer she uses at home. Do they come in and put medicine in a tube which she inhales several times per day? I remember when I had asthmatic bronchitis so bad, I did those constantly, and they would also come in and use this thing on my back where they literally pounded to try and loosen up the mucus in my chest. Fever indicates infection somewhere. I am glad that the ICU doc changed her antibiotics again. Sometimes its just a trial and error thing.

You must be exhausted in every way. Im so sorry. Please make sure you keep yourself healthy. Eat and sleep well.

Again, my prayers continue....

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 14, 2008, 07:40:58 AM: John

I apolgise for the fact that recently i have been so busy i havent really got time to post.............it doesnt mean that i am not reading or praying......I AM and will continue to do so.

I am glad you insisited on the doctor who has experience of Cynthia coming to see her and will continue to pray.

Love to you both

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 14, 2008, 03:28:56 PM: Hi John,
Sorry for not responding sooner, but we had a huge ice storm in my area and lost all power for 2 days. I'm sorry to hear Cynthia is still having problems. You did the right thing getting the ICU doc in to see her and you're also right to let them take over her breathing if they feel it's necessary.Thank goodness she has you there to advocate for her. I will continue my prayers also. Take care.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 14, 2008, 06:10:35 PM: Hi,

Lisa and Terre, You don't have to apologise for not posting. I know everyone is busy as it's coming up to christmas and can't be on line everyday. I know you are praying for her and that means a lot to me.

Cynthia's condition is quite bad again today. Her oxygen levels are very low and she had to be given morphine for pain. They are bringing her for tests in a few minutes so this will only be a short message as i want to go with her. She still hasn't allowed them to take over her breathing, she is still fighting with them. I think she is afraid ti let them do it even though the are assuring her there is nothing to worry about. She says if they put her to sleep she might never wake up, i've tried telling her it's only to help her and that they will make sure nothing happens to her.

They are here now to do the tests so i'll update ye all later.

Thanks for prayers and support,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 14, 2008, 10:40:14 PM: Hi,

Cynthia was not very good today. She has a lot of chest pain, very short of breath and her heart was beating very fast. Her blood pressure was very low and her colour wasn't great. They wanted to take over her breathing but she wouldn't let them, so rather than stress her out any more they didn't do it. I told the doctor that if he thought cynthia was in any danger he should go ahead and do it.

The doctor wasn't very happy with her conditon, so he ran a load of blood tests and he did a CT scan of her chest this evening. She was brought back to the ICU and within 5mins there were doctors and nurses around her. One of the doctors took myself and her parents out to tell us what was going on. He told us that Cynthia had a large blood clot in her lung and that they had to stop it before it moved. They have given her something called thrombolytics. It's used to dissolve the clot, but there a some complications to this but hopefully she doesn't get any more complications.

She seems a little more comfortable since they were in with her, so hopefully what they did has worked. Thank you all so much for your support and prayers.

I'll will keep ye updated if anything changes during the night, hopefully they will change for the good and i will be able to post some good news for once.

Thank you all,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 15, 2008, 02:49:01 AM: John....I know how frightened you must be, but the medications they use to dissolve these clots works well and pretty quickly. She is a fighter, and Im sure she is going to win this battle just as she has overcome all the others in the past couple of weeks. Stay strong. Keep the faith. I will say extra prayers for her......

hugs...DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 15, 2008, 05:06:38 PM: John

Thoughts and prayers with you both........

Hopefully the drugs have done their thing now and the latest problem is well on the way to being solved.............

Keep faithful that she is being looked after from above and here.

Lots of love to you, Cynthia and her parents.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: nadialife on December 15, 2008, 10:41:48 PM: Dear John,

Sorry, I haven't been in touch for a while. I am so sorry to hear about Cynthia's condition. I just don't know what to say, it must be so hard for you.

I will keep you two in my thoughts and prayers. I'll keep checking the board to get your updates.

Stay strong.

Warm regards,
Nadia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 15, 2008, 11:17:17 PM: Hi,

Thank you all for your support and prayers, they mean a lot to us all over here.

Cynthia has had a good day today, she seems to have improved a good bit since yesterday(thank god for that). She is a lot more comfortable and has hardly complained of any pain today. Her breathing has improved, she doesn't seem to be struggling like she has done for the last few days.
The doctor was in today and he seems happy with the way things are going, and was still apologising over the way she was treated by the locum doctor. I'm wondering if the locum doctor had acted when she got bad the first night would it have gotten as bad as it did. But there is no point in blaming anyone, cynthia seems to be on the mend and that's the most important thing.

Neither of Cynthia's parents have been able to get in to see her today as they both have got tonsillitis and don't want her to get that aswell. They have been ringing me all day for updates. It must be hard them not being ablee to get in to see her.

Lisa, Donna and Nadia - Thank you for your posts of support and prayer. Her parents and myself really appreciate them.

Hope everyone is well,

Thanks
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: dimples3887 on December 17, 2008, 02:35:50 AM: John,

I just recently read through your and Cynthia's posts and all I have to say is that God has Cynthia in the palm of His hand and you are right there next to her. You two are there fighting together and I'm sure that she is thanking God day after day for how much you have been there for her recently, as I'm sure its always been. I really will keep Cynthia in my prayers to have a speedy and safe recovery and to keep you safe throughout this whole recovery as well. You have been so great just being there fore her and I'm sure that we all wish to have someone as amazing as you by our sides constantly. Remember to get sleep when possible and ask the doctor lots of questions to make sure you understand any and everything that is going on. If you don't understand, ask more questions. Knowledge is something that will help get you through this as will prayer. Just be strong when you have to, and break down when you have to, but know that you and Cynthia have a very special bond, that through this series of horrible events has only grown stronger.

I hope that Cynthia is truly on her road to recovery and while it may be long and winding, you two will perservere through anything.

You both are in my prayers,

Kirsten
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on December 17, 2008, 04:48:09 PM: John,

So sorry to hear Cynthia has had yet another setback. She seems strong and should come through ok. She has a real champoin in you. I know lots of people that would not dream of questioning a docs treatment. You need to, so you can be sure they are doing what they can. Glad to hear she is breathing better and is having less pain. Hope her folks get over their tonsillitis soon. That's a drag, I used to get it as least twice a winter as a kid.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 20, 2008, 12:07:10 AM: Hi,

Sorry i haven't posted anything since monday but things have been a bit crazy over here.

Cynthia was moved to a different hospital in the early hours of Tuesday morning and in all the panic i left my laptop behind. We are hoping to get her back to our local hospital before christmas, things are improving so it's looking like we will be making the journey home any day. We don't think cynthia will be discharged for christmas but it is the time of the year mircales are ment to happen so i'll be keeping my fingers crossed.

Thank god cynthia's parents are better now, so they flew up today to see her and they brought my laptop with them. I will fill ye all in later as to why cynthia had to be transfered to a different hospital, i'm to tired now to go into details but i thought i should post to let ye know what was going on and to thank ye all again for your continued support and prayers.

We would like to wish you all a very merry christmas and a happy and healthy 2009. And i hope all your knee problems improve in 2009.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 20, 2008, 04:43:30 AM: Merry Christmas to you and Cynthia also, John and thanks for posting. I was starting to get really worried. Get some rest now and I hope you get to bring her home soon. Hugs.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 20, 2008, 04:42:05 PM: Hi John/Cynthia

I have of it been busy all week and havent posted because but i have been checking daily.........in fact today was my cut off and i would have been sending a PM today if i hadnt heard anything from you because i too have been worrying.

It's been a strange year for many of us in many ways, but the new year is apporaching anf things will change. I continue to pray, and John miracles do happen................love to you both and i hope to hear some positive news soon.

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 21, 2008, 12:01:13 AM: Hi,

Sorry for causing anyone to worry this week, i never really thought but i should have gone to an internet cafe to let ye know what was happening.

Cynthia is improving a little bit every day so fingers crossed she will be transfered back to our local hospital very soon.

Cynthia had a few complications monday night. Although our hospital at home is excellent they thought Cynthia would benefit from the care that is available at this current hospital. She was flown here in the early hours of Tuesday morning. She was here in 30mins where it took me 3hrs to drive here. She has shown slow but steady improvment since arriving here and the doctors are hopefull that the worst is over and that she will get stronger everyday.

They have been doing physio with her to stop her leg muscles wasting away and they have noticed a problem with the knee that she had operated on during the summer. They wanted to do something with it before they transfer her but her parents and i have said that she has been through so much trauma over the last month that we would prefer to get her home and strong before she has to deal with more surgery on her knee. I thought that it would be a bit pointless doing any surgery at the minute as she hasn't got the energy to do the amounts of physio expected after surgery and this would make recovery slower. They have agreed to wait until she is strong enough and will arrange an appointment for her in Feb or March, this should give her plenty of time to get back to normal.

Thanks again for all the support.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 21, 2008, 07:34:40 PM: John, I think you're absolutely right about the surgery. Sheesh, what the heck were they thinking? This poor girl needs to get over all the misery she's already been through, never mind about putting her through more. It's great that they think they can do something about her knee problem, though. She seemed to be getting the run-around from her previous doctors. Now maybe she'll be able to get it properly fixed and get rid of the pain.

Glad to hear she's making some improvements at the new hospital. It must have been scary for you when they decided to move her, but it sounds like that was the right decision.

We're getting slammed with a blizzard here in NH and I'm a little worried about the power going out again. If you don't hear from me in the next couple of days, know that I'm still thinking about you and praying for Cynthia's recovery. Take care, now.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 21, 2008, 11:55:10 PM: Hi Terre,

Thank you so much for the post i am glad to have someone elses input about me telling the doctors i didn't want her to do any surgery until well into the new year. I was begining to think maybe i made the wrong decision. It is great that they may be able to sort her knee problems out because she was starting to get annoyed that nobody was offering her any solutions to her problem. I never liked her OS in the first place, i found him very arrogant and he could be quite rude at times.

I hope the blizzard doesn't cause to much disruption to your power supply. We rarely get bad snow storms here and it's very mild at the minute so i doubt we'll be seeing any snow any time soon.

Cynthia has continued to improve, they moved her to a regular ward and all going well she will be transfered back to our local hospital tomorrow. She is in good spirits at the minute but is very tired so she is not able to post yet. She thanks everyone for there good wishes and hopes ye are all keeping well.

I will post again tomorrow and hopefully i will be telling you all that she has been transfered back home.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on December 22, 2008, 01:22:12 AM: Hi John,

It's good that Cynthia went to another hospital and is doing so well. Hopefully she can be home for Christmas, but if not, as soon as she can. It sounds great that they have figured out what is up with her knee as well. Once she gets stonger will be soon enough to get the knee taken care of. Wishing you both a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 22, 2008, 10:41:42 PM: Hi John/Cynthia

Thank you for your kind message the other day...........it was very much appreciated and came right when i needed to hear some kind words.

I hope that things are continuing to improve and that the light at the end of that tunnel is beginning to get brighter.

Santa will be very good to you both i am sure..............i told him to be!!

Will check in again tomorrow and send more then.

Lotsa lov

Lisa x x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 22, 2008, 11:03:21 PM: Hi,

Thank you for your posts.

A last i have some good news to tell you all. Cynthia had all her tests done this morning and the doctors were happy enough with the results, so they arranged for her to be transfered back to our local hospital. They flew her back as they thought the journey by road might be a bit much for her at the minute. So i'm not long back and she has been back since about 6pm.

It's great to be finally back to familiar surroundings and people that we know, not that they weren't nice in the other hospital. Cynthia's infection has finally cleared so it's just a matter of getting her strong enough now to get her home, but i hope she takes things slow and doesn't push herself to much, i don't think i could cope with another set back. Cynthia says she will post tomorrow she's just to tired at the minute to type.

Milly - I'm so glad they took the decision to move her to another hospital, they seem to have helped the healing process along. We are still not sure if she will be home for christmas but if she's not we'll just have to bring christmas to her.

Lisa - We ment every word in that message, you are truly a special person. There is only one thing i'm looking for this christmas and that's to have Cynthia fit and well and home with me.

Cynthia would like to thank you all for being so supportive and caring to me. She wishes every one a very merry christmas and a happy new year.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on December 23, 2008, 07:34:20 PM: Hi John,

That's WONDERFUL NEWS!!!! Glad she is one step closer to home. She should get a bit stronger everyday now. I hope she feels good enough to post something. Take care and have a wonderful Christmas.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 24, 2008, 12:08:06 AM: Hi,

Cynthia still isn't feeling up to posting yet but she is still improving daily so hopefully it won't be long before she's back posting again. I'm sure it won't be to long before she's back telling me what to do so as soon as that happens we will all know she is feeling better.

She is a bit upset today because they told her she won't be getting home for christmas. I've told her she'll just have to do as they tell her and then they might let her our for the new year.

Cynthia says she will try and post something tomorrow and we both wish everyone a very merry christmas.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on December 24, 2008, 05:12:21 PM: Christmas is about the people you are with and not where you have to have it, Cynthia i am sure that the people you love most in the world will be with you so try and focus on that. We all want you back fighting fit, healthy and well and if the hospital needs you to concentrate on that for a bit longer please do, cos you are far too special to far too many people to rush things now that everything seems to be under control.

You both have a great day and i hope santa is good to you cos
you deserve it.

Love always and prays for a special day with continued healing.

Lisa x x x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 24, 2008, 06:17:54 PM: Hi,

I would like to thank you all for being so kind to John especially over the last week. All i seem to be doing lately is scaring the life out of him and everyone else, but fingers crossed that was the final setback and that i'm on the right road now.

I'm getting stronger everyday and my aim now is to be home for the new year. I'm not able to walk unaided at the minute, so i have to ask for help for everything(which is a pain in the A**), but i know that if i do the physio and listen to what i'm being told it won't be long before i'm up and about again.

I hope you all have a great christmas and a happy and healthy new year.
Sorry about the short post.

Take care,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 24, 2008, 08:51:22 PM: Merry Christmas to both of you!!! Im so happy that you are on the mend, and I will continue to keep you in my prayers that you regain your strength and can be home to celebrate the New Year!!

Donna
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Lina1988 on December 26, 2008, 04:37:55 PM: Hello Everybody :)

I had LR on 22th December. I am seing my doctor on Tuesday. The problem is, my knee is terribly swelled, I think there is hemarthrosis inside. Is it possible that hemarthrosis can seriously damage my knee for 7 days? I don't know if some complications are possible. I'll appreciate any information.

I hope my english isn't completely unclear...
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 26, 2008, 07:46:35 PM: Hi,

Donna - I hope you had a good day yesterday. How is Rick? Did he get out of hospital for the christmas? I hope both of ye are well and that ye have a happy and healthy 2009.
I'm getting stronger daily, still haven't managed to walk unaided yet everytime i try i end up on my bottom. It can be very fustrating not being able to walk without help but i'm sure i'll get the power back in my legs soon, i just have to keep doing the physio. They even had me doing it yesterday you think they'd take christmas day off.

Lina - I had my LR on the 22nd of July of this year. I've been a bit sick lately and haven't been out of bed for the best part of 5wks and there is still some noticeable swelling in my knee. It is normal to have a lot of swelling after a LR. As for hemarthrosis, i don't know a lot about it, all i know is that it is bleeding in the joint and as far as i know it's quite rare for this to happen after a LR. It is only 4 days since your surgery so don't be expecting to much to soon. Make sure you are resting. Keep your leg elevated as much as you can and make sure you ice as much as possibile. This will help with the swelling. If you have been given medication for swelling and pain make sure you are taking them. And if you have been given exercises to do at home it is very important that you do them, they will help avoid any muscle wastage and will keep your quad muscle strong. I'm sure you will be starting physio soon if you haven't started already, so make sure you do what they tell you.
Can i ask why you think there is hemarthrosis or what symptoms you have? Since i am in hospital at the minute i could ask one of the doctors or nurses what they think and if it could damage your knee.
Sorry i couldn't of more help i'm not able to concentrate long enough to reply to you properly.

Hope everyone is well,

Best wishes to everyone,
Cynthia and John xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Lina1988 on December 27, 2008, 12:59:18 PM: Cynthia, thanks for your advice. I hope swelling will become smaller soon. My problem is I tend to bleed badly after every injury. :( I hope it won't be serious problem.

Best wishes :*
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 27, 2008, 07:02:52 PM: Hi Cynthia and John,
I hope you were able to have a good Christmas. It's so great to hear that the worst is finally over. Cynthia, I've no doubt you'll be up walking soon and bossing those nurses and doctors around. lol!

We managed to get through the snowstorm without losing power this time, thank goodness. We were buried under about 2 feet of snow, though. This is the first white Christmas we've had for a number of years. Normally, we don't get the big storms until sometime in January.

My older daughter, who lives halfway across the country, is home for 2 weeks. I only get to see her once or twice a year, so I'm going to make the most of our time together. We're planning a 'girls only' outing to Boston along with younger daughter and maybe my sister, if she has the time. Boston is an hour away by Amtrak and is a fun city to hang out in. Not sure what we'll be doing yet, but there will definitely be shopping and good eating!

Lina, I had LR on my left knee last year. My OS told me there tends to be a lot of bleeding into the knee with it. It's usually not something to worry about. Do the icing and elevation, as Cynthia advises, and I would advise doing ankle pumps, to keep the circulation in your leg going. That will help with the swelling, too.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 27, 2008, 08:35:54 PM: Cynthia....Try and be patient with the walking thing. You are very weak and its gonna take some time to get back on your feet again. Its just good to know that they finally got rid of the infection and you are finally on the mend.

Rick is doing good. Not much pain at all. Had a problem with the tape from the bandage irritating his tummy, but that looks better today as well. The drain finally sealed up and isnt leaking anymore. Hes eating better too. Will take him some time to get back on his feet too.

It is 60 degrees here today. The weather is crazy. I would like to have some snow. I went to the store with no coat and just a t shirt and jeans on.

How is John?? You are very lucky to have him. Hes a good guy.

Take care....Ill check back later to check on you.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 28, 2008, 12:17:29 AM: Hi,

Donna - I'm delighted to hear that Rick is doing well. The weather here is a bit crazy also. It is pouring rain one day and really warm and the next day it's sunny and freezing. So i'm not missing much weather wise being stuck in here.
John is fine he's finally starting to relax and getting some well deserved rest. I think i've found my soul mate in him.

Terre - I had a good christmas despite being stuck in here. I am so relieved that the worst is over and that i'm getting a chance to recover without something else happening. To be honest i don't think there is anything else that could happen anyway. Glad to hear you got through the snow storm ok, we hardly ever get a white christmas it must be lovely to wake up christmas morning and everything outside is white.
It's nice that your daughter is home for 2wks, it must be hard only getting to see her twice a year. I hope you enjoy your girls only outting, I haven't done one of those in ages with my mum and sisters so i think that is to go on my list of things to do when i get out.
I do hope i get this walking thing mastered it's getting on my nerves at the minute. I've been warned not to rush things but it gets a bit fustrating at times.

Lina - I hope my advice was of some help to you, i'm not really at my best at the minute. At the minute sometimes what i want to say doesn't come across the way it's ment to and i'm finding it hard to remember alot of things. So apologies if any of my information is not accurate. I wouldn't want to be advising you to do something when you are ment to be doing the opposite.

Anyway i'm exhausted and i'm starting to ramble a bit. It's hard work being in hospital.

Take Care
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on December 29, 2008, 06:14:45 PM: Hi Cyhthia,

It's good to see you posting again. The fuzzy head and fatigue will get better. It is so hard to have help to do things you have been able to do for so long by yourself. You sound much better, so you may be out of there by New Year's. Take care and wish John a Happy New Year (you too, you deserve it!)

Take care and rest, rest, rest....

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 29, 2008, 11:29:34 PM: Hi,

Thanks for your posts. Milly it is really good to be back posting again, i think being on line is the only thing that is keeping me sane in here.
I am feeling better each day which is great. The only thing that is really holding me back at the minute is not being able to walk. I have 2 great physio who i am working hard with each day, but i don't seem to be getting anywhere fast. I am managing to drag myself along with the aid of a frame, but i feel like and old woman of 90yrs using the frame. I don't really know why my legs don't want to work right but it's really starting to annoy me now. I know the physio is helping, but we can only do so much each day because i haven't got the energy to do a lot yet. I was trying to do it myself when i had a rest but was told off, and told I wasn't allowed to over do things. They actually went as far as to taking the frame off me, they only give it to me for a few hours after physio. How do they expect me to get walking again if they take away the only thing i can walk with? I'll never get out of here at this rate.
Sorry for the bit of a rant.

John is just after popping in to see me before going to work, I told him to go back to get a bit of normality back in his life. He is insisting on taking more time off when i get out. He says hello to everyone and wishes you all a very happy new year.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 30, 2008, 03:59:27 AM: Its so good to see you progressing, Cynthia. I know its a little slower than you'd like, but just remind yourself of all you have overcome in the past few weeks. You are such a strong person, and Im sure those legs will cooperate as time goes on. Being sick just really takes its toll on your strength. Rick wanted to go to the mall today to exchange some things, and he was exhausted after walking just a little bit. So be patient. Work hard at PT, but then be sure to rest hard too. You are gonna be fine.

I had to call the doc today and go on prednisone for my asthma. Its been bothering me since Christmas Eve, and despite using the nebulizer and inhaler, its not getting better. So the doc called me in the steroids to help me out. They usually do the trick, although I hate the side effects. How long have YOU had asthma? I was never treated for mine till 1988, at the age of 24, but thinking back to my teenage years, Im sure I had it then, and just thought it was allergies, and never told my parents how bad it was. Its definitely not a fun thing to have.

Im glad John went back to work. It is good for him, Im sure. And then if he wants to take some time off when you get home, Im sure it will do you good to have him there with you.

Sleep well.....and Ill check back tomorrow to see how you are doing.

hugs.....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on December 30, 2008, 04:57:54 PM: Hi Cynthia,
Happy New Year to you and John, too. I know it must be frustrating for you to be progressing so slowly, but as Donna says, full recovery will come in time. Your body has been through so much in the last few months, it's going to need lots of rest to build back your strength and you can't rush it, no matter how badly you want to get out of there. With your history, sweetie, are you really surprised that the nurses are nervous about you overdoing things?! I don't think they want to be having to stitch up your head any more! lol!

It was nice to wake up to a white world on Christmas, but as is typical for New England, the weather took a warm turn over the next few days and now we're back to almost bare ground again. That may change yet again, as a few more small storms are predicted for this week. There's an old saying here, if you don't like the weather, just wait a minute. It sure is true this winter. On the whole, I'm not a fan of snow and ice. The footing's too dicey for my poor knees and I'm always worried about slipping and falling.

Daughter and I have decided to shelve the Boston trip, for lack of money and time, but last night, we went bridal gown shopping, which was just as exciting. Caitlin, who has been living with her fiance for 2 years, got married in a civil ceremony in October, so that she could get on his insurance, but we're planning a religious ceremony with all the trimmings for this coming August. It's going to be a logistical nightmare, with her living in Chicago and the ceremony being held in Vermont, but she has cousins there who are going to help with the planning. She'll be going up there on Friday to visit and get started.

Well, I should get my lazy butt off this computer and try to get some work done. Take it easy and listen to your caregivers, OK? Hugs.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on December 30, 2008, 05:40:32 PM: Hey Cynthia,

Rant any time you feel like it! It will be slow going for the PT for awhile. My husband found he did not have the endurance he was used to after his bout with pnemunonia. So give it time, don't forget all the other stuff that was going on. The body will take time to readjust. You need the rest too, no matter how frusterating it is. My mom is the same way, like me too. That is one reason I took up knitting and crochet. At least I can feel like I'm doing something while I sit around.

Take care and try to rest as much as you can.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 31, 2008, 12:16:24 AM: Hi,

Thanks for the well wishing posts.

Milly- I suppose the PT will be slow but I just want to get back to normal as soon as possible. It is pretty tough going I would have been well able to do all they wanted me to do a couple of months ago, old age is starting to show ;D I tried the old knitting thing a couple of years ago and the wool aggravated my asthma, so I think that is a non runner. Unfortunatly everything I enjoy doing involves being out doors, so i'm going to have to find something to occupy me indoors.

Terre- I suppose I shouldn't be surprised that the nurses are nervous about me over doing things, I'd say the last thing they want to be doing is stitching me up again(It's the last thing I want either). It looks like I am stuck in here for the new year unless they would like to surprise me tomorrow and let me home(highly unlikely I think it's wishfull thinking on my behalf) I wonder would the nurses agree to giving me my walking frame tomorrow night. I could ring in the new year racing the old ladies up and down the wards, I'd say they'd beat me at the minute. But they have an unfair advantage they've been using them longer ;D ;D Your so lucky you had a white christmas, but please be careful if you go out when it's all snow and ice. The last thing you'd want to do is slip and do your knees an injury. I bet you are looking foward to the wedding ceremony in August. It'll be hard work for everyone involved to get everything orgainsed but it will be worth it in the end you will have a wonderful day. Don't worry i'm listening to my care givers even though I might not agree with everything that they do. But I have to trust the professionals, after all they do know what they are doing.

Donna- I know how Rick feels not having the energy to do everything you want to do, it can get very fustrating at times. I have to admit I felt sorry for myself today and had a little cry, I think this whole walking thing was getting me down, but I feel better for having my little moment of self pity(shame on me). I'm difinitley working hard with the physios, as for resting hard well that's where I have the problem. I feel I should be futher on than I am and suppose to an extent i'm pushing myself so I can get home, i've been stuck in here for far to long(you know you're here to long when the staff who've been on hols have come back and say "Are you still here". Look after your Asthma and make sure you take your steroids. I know they can have nasty side effects, but they will open your airways and help your breathing. If the weather is cold and frosty where you might be better off trying to stay indoors, if you have to go out make sure you wear a scarf that covers your mouth and nose. I find if I go out in frosty weather that it effects me so I cover myself with a scarf(It helps me). I've had ashtma since being a baby, not sure exactly when i was diagnosed but my mother says I suffered with my chest from a couple of months old so you could say i've had it all my life, so that 26yrs. My mums friend who lived beside us had a baby the same day I was born, weird thing was she also had asthma. Everytime I ended up in the hospital with my asthma, a couple of days later she'd be bad and end up in beside me, and the same for her if she went in first you could be sure I wouldn't be to far behind her. It started to be a bit of a joke in the hospital, the nusrses used to say when they seen one of us coming "We'd better keep the bed beside free the partner in crime will be following shortly". Unfortunatly when we were 8yrs old the 2 of us ended up in the hospital again, this time my friend wasn't so lucky she passed away, I missed her so much I ended up getting worse and my parents thought the same was going to happen to me, but thank god it didn't. From that day on I believe she is looking over me and keeping me safe when ever I end up in hospital with my asthma.
John enjoyed being back at work last night. I think he enjoyed it beacuse it was quiet, there was hardly any trouble in town so himself and the others on duty spend most of the night in the station relaxing. But they did have to go out doing the ususal check points and breathalysing. Apart from that he said it was a quiet night all round. It will be good to have him around fr a while when I get out to help me with things. I have to remember sometimes that i'm not superwoman and I do have to ask for help(as much an all as I hate doing it).

Happy new year to you all, Whatever you all are doing to ring in the new year have fun and be safe.

Lots of love
Cynthia xxx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on December 31, 2008, 01:12:42 AM: It's only me again. I know i'm on line late and I should be resting, but I was looking through some of the new threads and there is a person who lives in England who is having problems after their surgery and hasn't had an appointment with their OS in over 3 months. They were wondering if anyone knew of any good medical advice centres or any independent practises.
I sent them a post and told them I would ask if anyone knows of any good surgeons over there, so if any of you guys know or have been dealing with a good OS could you let me know who they are so I can pass the information on. If you don't want to give out the surgeons information publically you can send me a private mail.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on December 31, 2008, 03:29:52 PM: Hi Cynthia

Just checking in with you briefly from work...........aren't i naughty?

Will email you more later but you know you have to have that patience thing that neither of us are good at and not rush things, you have been very poorly and things are definately now going in the right direction which is where we all want them to stay going, no matter how slow. I feel and hear your frustrations..........i know how hard it is and i know that we will one day be pleased that we listen to the people who know what they are talking about.

Pillow wierd and will take some getting used to but didnt cheat.........i know persistance is the key and that benefits will be reaped............but when when? Hee hee hope you have had an ok day.........e mail after work!!

LoL

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 01, 2009, 01:19:19 AM: Happy New Year to you all

Lisa - I got your e-mail this evening, thanks it was lovely and I needed a bit of cheering up. I sent you a reply from myself and John.
I know I have to have patience with my recovery, but I am findiing it very hard. John keeps telling me to take it easy, he says that i've been through so much in the last few months it's no wonder my body is a bit slow to recover. I don't honestly remember everything that happened to me, so maybe that's why I'm being so impatient.
I thought you would find the pillow a bit weird to start with. I have to say i did cheat at the start, I was finding it so hard to sleep using it that I threw it out of the bed for a night so I could get a good nights sleep. In the end i knew i would have to just put up with it and I would eventually get used to it. I don't think i'll ever get used to mine, and now that I haven't used it in here i'm going to find it even harder getting used to it all over again.
Have to go now it's well past my bed time and i'm finding it very hard to type and stay awake so apologies for any spelling mistakes.

Lots of love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 02, 2009, 12:52:08 AM: Hi,

I wasn't allowed to have my zimmer frame race lastnight, I think the nurses thought I was going mad when I said it to them, they just started laughing and asked me if I was trying to kill myself totally. So that put the dampner on that idea.
I did however get a nice surprise, a few of the girls I work with and that work with John called in to see in the new year with me. The nurses didn't mind them staying late because i've my own room as long as they kept the noise down. One of the girls I work with is very funny she should be on TV, but I found out last night you have to be in good health to cope with all her jokes. She had me laughing that much that I ended up having a asthma attack. It wasn't to bad once I went on the nebuliser it sorted it out, but it frightened the s**t(excuse the language)out of the girls. I rang in the new year stuck on the stupid nebuliser and the other girls laughing saying I looked like something out of star wars with the mask on(such a cheek ;D). So apart from that little eposide I had a good night, although i'm a bit exhausted today after it.

My usual physio's were off today and their was some young fella covering for them(didn't look like he was long out of nappies), he wasn't very nice. He pushed me very hard today and when I was starting to tire started shouting at me. I don't mind being pushed hard it's all part of recovery, but I do draw the line at being shouted at like I was a little child. Physically I could only do so much, but he kept pushing me futher until I ended up passing out. I don't know wheter or not I should report him, but I wouldn't like to think that he treats the older patients like that, he could end up killing one of them. I'm sure the older patients would be a lot weaker than I am even if I feel as old as them at the minute.

Anyway i'm on this computer late again tonight and I know I should be resting, especially seen as I have physio again in the morning with the evil one.

Hope ye are all well, and that the hang overs from last night aren't to severe.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on January 02, 2009, 01:03:23 PM: Cynthia

No pt should ever push you to the extent that you pass out, especailly after what you have been through, yes to improve we often have to be pushed way out of comfort zones and there is nothing wrong with that, but to that extent is ridiculous and he should be told that..........duh did he read your notes??

Its sounds great that at least you had plenty of good company to see in the new year, and it has to be said that energy wise you are clearly doing better than me, because i slept the new year in..........though woke up later and then couldnt get back to sleep..........darn pillow!!! ;D ;DNot gunna give up with it though............

More later gota go to the microwave and do lunch whilst at work................so quiet here it's crazy....yawn yawn!!

Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 02, 2009, 04:40:08 PM: Hey Cynthia,

I would let someone know about the PT. Nobody should treat you that way. I probably would have told him where to get off myself, then cried cause I was so tired. Pushing yourself is one thing, pushing things that far is too much. Too bad the knitting didn't work out. Maybe card making or scrapbooking. My sister-in-law loves to scrapbook. I don't have the patience for it. My daughter likes to make jewelery. Hope PT was better today.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 02, 2009, 06:12:15 PM: Hi ,

Lisa, Milly thanks for the posts.

This is just a really quick post before I have to take my dreaded drugs.
Had physio this morning and boy was this guy not in good form today. He is evil even worse than yesterday. Can't go into to much detail now as the poor nurse is waiting here patiently to drug me up. I don't know why but these drugs knock me out, so when ever I wake up i'll post all todays details.
I had a surprise visitor when the physio was on his power trip. I'll tell you about it later.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 02, 2009, 07:47:55 PM: Hey Cynthia,

Hope you had a nice nap. ;) I sure hope your suprise visitor chewed out your PT. Just got thinking that maybe the nurses are using special meds to get you to rest? Just kidding ;D. I sometimes wonder how some people made into jobs where they need to deal with people. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 03, 2009, 12:32:52 AM: Hi,

Milly- You might be right maybe they are giving me drugs to knock me out on purpose to get me to rest, I never really thought of that. I think i'll ask them, they will probably laugh at me though.

I had a long nap, I woke up about an hour ago, John was here so I couldn't really go on line. He sends his love to you all. Anyway i'm wide awake now so i'll tell ye what happened at physio.
I had an early session today, they came up to the ward to get me at 9am and brought me down to the place where they do the physio. When I went in the physio guy had a face like thunder, he didn't look like he was in good humour at all. He put the walking frame in front of the wheel chair and told me to make my way over to where he was(No problem there). I had to leave the frame to one side and stand between 2 bars, the bars were to help me keep my balance as I walked up and down between them(Pretty Monotonous but has to be done), he kept shouting at me to get faster. I was going as fast as I could without falling flat on my face. I could see he was getting angrier because I wasn't moving as fast as he liked, his constant shouting was really starting to get to me and I wasn't able to concentrate properly on what I was doing, all I could think of was move faster or he go mental. I was sweating I was putting that much effort in and lifted one hand off the rail to wipe my forehead as it was running into my eyes and I couldn't see right. As I lifted my hand of he let a shout at me and it made me jump, and I ended up loosing my balance, I ended up on the floor with a sore backside I hit it that hard. He lost the head completly when this happened and was shouting at me saying I was lazy and had no interest in recovering. Totally untrue, you wouldn't believe how much I want to get out of here). So i'm sitting on the floor and he's roaring like a bull to get up. I could get up my arms weren't long enough to reach the bars to pull myself up, I heard the door opening and I though he has to shut up now someone's coming, but he obviously didn't hear it he kept going. To my surprise when I turned my head to see who it was it was John. He had come off duty and went up to the ward, the nurses to him I was down at physio so he decided to come down and see how I was getting on. When the physio saw John he shut up straight away, but he was to late John heard what he was saying. I have never seen John so angry, he came over and picked me up off the floor and sat me in the wheel chair(needless to say the minute I saw John I burst into tears, I was so relieved to see him). John went mad he tore strips of the physio, he told him if he bothered to take the time to read my notes he would have know that I physcially wasn't able to be pushed as far as he was pushing me. I have never heard John raise his voice before and it's a side of him I wouldn't like to see. John wheeled me back up to the ward and helped me into bed. He went out to the nurses and explained to them what had happened, he told them he wanted to lodge a formal complaint about the way I was treated. One of the nurses came into me while John was out talking to the head nurse. I was still in a bit of a state and felt like a big baby crying. The nurse was lovely, she told me I should have told them yesterday about the way he treated me, but of course soft old me didn't want to get anyone into trouble. She said he didn't usually work here he was just called in to cover beacause a good few of the regular physios were off and they were short staffed. She said he usually works in a private practise. Anyway when I finally stopped crying like a baby, they took my blood pressure and all that kind of stuff. Needless to say my blood pressure was a bit on the high side and I had to go on the nebuliser because I was a bit short of breath.

John stayed with me till lunch time and then I sent him home to get some sleep, he was after working a night shift and needed his rest. Mum and Dad came in as he was going and he went into all the details with them. He was still so angry about it, all he kept saying was the nerve of that guy would he have treated a fella that could stand up to him that way. Mum and Dad weren't happy about it either, they stayed with me till about 4.30 and left then because I wanted to sleep. The morning I had wore me out, so if those drugs they gave me were to get me to rest they need not have given them to me I didn't need them. I slept for about an hour and a nurse woke me, so fella in a suit wanted to talk to me about what had happened. When I told him everything he wasn't pleased, he told me he'd look after it and then left.

John came back in tonight before going to work, he was a little calmer but I still knew by him he was still a bit annoyed. We chatted for a while and then he had to go. I'm a bit nervous about tomorrows physio now. What if it's the same guy again. He could be worse tomorrow after what happened today.

Well my energy spurt didn't last long i'm getting tired now so i'll call it a night. I'll post again tomorrow.

Hope you all have a goodnights sleep,

Goodnight,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 03, 2009, 04:23:36 AM: Cynthia....I am so sorry you had such a bad time with the mean therapist. But I am glad that John walked in when he did. If he is doing this to you, I am sure he is doing it to other patients as well. He has to be disciplined. I dont think you have to worry about having him tomorrow. I doubt he will be anywhere around.

I hope you can get a restful nights sleep, and that tomorrow is a better day.

hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 03, 2009, 11:32:17 PM: Hi,

Donna that guy sure was mean. I don't know how he was allowed to practise on patients. I put in a complaint about him, so hopefully he won't get away with doing things like that anymore.

I was dreading the thoughts of having to go to physio today just incase he was still down there. I didn't have to go to physio today, I woke up this morning and my knee was so swollen it looked like a balloon. I don't know whats wrong with it, i've had it elevated all day and have been icing it. The swelling hasn't come down very much and the pain is pretty bad. They are talking about sending me for a scan on monday to see what is going on, it's not like I was dancing around on it so I don't know what they expect to find.

Apart from the knee giving me bother and being a bit wheezie today i'm doing well, I think the wheezing came from all the stress yesterday. I'm really hoping they are going to let me home next week, I really need to get out of here. I was half thinking of discharging myself, don't know if this would be a good idea.

I hope everyone is well. John sends his love to everyone.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 04, 2009, 10:09:31 PM: Hi,

Just letting you all know that the physio was suspended and is not allowed to work in this hospital again. A nurse told me he should be made do anger management courses before he is allowed to practise again.

Have had no choice but to take it easy today. My knee is still swollen, I have that pain back in my chest again and I have one hell of a headache. I must have really annoyed someone in a previous life for all this to be happening to me. I seem to taking one step foward and 2 back. It's not fair :'( :'((sorry being a baby now)

I'm tired again so i'll call it a night. I trust you are all well.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 05, 2009, 05:41:59 AM: Cynthia....so glad the 'physio from hell' was suspended. He got what he deserved. I am so glad John walked in when he did. Perfect timing. Yay John!

Sorry you arent feeling well again. I hope tomorrow is a better day for you. Hang in there. Be strong. Im still praying for you.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on January 05, 2009, 05:48:57 AM: Ugh, Cynthia, what an awful week you've been having. I'm so sorry to hear it. Wish I could wrap my arms around you and tell you that everything's going to be alright, but then again, you have John for that. What a guardian angel he's been. I would so have loved to be there while he was ripping apart that horrible therapist. That man has no business being anywhere near sick and injured people. Thank goodness the hospital did something about it.
Don't worry about sounding like a baby. With everything you've been through, you have every right to cry and complain. But you are making progress, even if it doesn't seem like it at the moment. Today's setbacks are probably just from being pushed too hard by that idiot. Hopefully a good night's rest will get you back to rights again. Speaking of which, I've got to get my rump off to bed, too. I've a boring manager's meeting to go to in the morning. Sleep well, hon and don't give up. It WiLL get better, I promise.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 05, 2009, 05:58:45 PM: Hugs to you Cynthia,

Just got time for a quick post then back to work. What a rotten so and so that therapist was. As if you want to stay in the hospital longer. I hope that he will be unable to work even in private practice with an attitude like that. It was good that John came along when he did. Knowing me I would have told the bugger off then started crying! You are likely still feeling some of the after effects of the event. I hope the weezing is better and the swelling is down. Maybe it was so swollen from pushing things so hard. Now that you've had more time to rest your chest will be feeling better. Mine will get really tight when I'm too upset and I feel like I can't breathe. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 05, 2009, 11:41:18 PM: Hi,

Donna, Terre, Milly thanks for the posts.

I am feeling a bit better today. My knee is still much the same, I had a scan today so hopefully i'll get the results of that soon.I'm hoping nothing new has shown on it. My chest isn't as bad as it was the pain has eased a good bit. I'm being told to try to relax and rest that it's all the chest pain is more than likely caused by the stress of what happened this week(this is according to Dr John!!!) The wheezing is still there but not as much as it was. You are all right, i'd say not feeling well the last few days is probably from what happened this week.

I'm so grateful John came in unexpected that day, he always seems to appear in the right place at the right time. John has been kept me going when i've been ready to give up and so have all you guys. I will be forever grateful to all of you. John has been telling me since i've been in here that he has become quite the chef. I had to put his culinary skills to the test, so he told me he'd bring in something tonight. He came in tonight looking very pleased with himself, he put the plate on the table and left the lid over it, because I was on the computer when he came in. When I was finishing the e-mail he said laughing hurry up or your dinner will go cold(I think he was trying to be funny he brought in a salad). I think i'll have to give him lessons on how to cook hot food when I get home.

John says hello to everyone. I'm going to try and get some sleep now. I didn't sleep much last night, so I ended up sleeping most of the day today.

Hope everyone is well.

Cynthia and John xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 07, 2009, 05:05:09 PM: Hi,

I trust that ye are all well. The weather is so cold at the minute over here, I hope if it's cold where ever ye are that ye are taking care when out and about.

The swelling in the knee has gone down enough for me to be allowed to do some physio. The chest pain has gone and the wheezing has eased considerably. I'm hoping that if all goes well and I behave myself, that they might let me home next week.

Sorry this is such a short post, i'll post again later.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 07, 2009, 08:10:06 PM: Cynthia,

Glad the knee is doing better. I will keep my fingers crossed on your going home next week. It's been pretty cold here too. Most of our snow melted after Christmas, but we got a bit more last night. So I took it real slow going to work, everyone forgets how to drive when the snows been gone (even for a day or two). The knee has not been happy with the nutty weather, but I've been getting by. Hope you are feeling even better tonight.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 08, 2009, 11:41:32 PM: Hi,

I'm feeling so much better today, i've a lot more energy and no more chest pains. The wheezing is gone, but if I over do it I start to wheeze again, so I know what my limit is at the minute and i'm not pushing myself to hard until i'm able to do things without wheezing(I don't want anymore set backs). As for the great escape, I think there is finally a light starting to break through at the end of the tunnel. I thinking I might get home next week(can't bloody wait). It'll be great to home to my own place and get a bit of normality back in my life.

You'll never guess what my boss did. He rang me today and told me he was sending in a company doctor to examine me because i've been off work so long. (I didn't think he could do that, but we'll see what happens).The nereve of the guy. If I could be back at work I would, believe me I would rather be at work than in here. One of the nurses came in to me after he rang me to do my blood pressure and stuff, she said my blood pressure was raised a bit, I told her any wonder and told her about the call I just got. She told me he had rang the ward looking for information and they didn't give him any, so that is probably why he rang me. If I tell John this he'll go mad, he never liked my boss to start with.

Milly- The knee is back to the way it was before I came in here(crap) but at least it's not as swollen or as sore as it was. I hope your knee is better, I know what you mean about the cold weather causing problems with the knee, I haven't been out in the cold so I haven't had any problems with the weather yet.

I think i've rambled enough. John was in this morning and said if I was on line to give you a big hello, so Hello from John.

Take care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 09, 2009, 11:56:12 PM: Hi,

I didn't think the company doctor would be coming in as soon as he did. My doctor was in with me this morning and told me that the company doctor would be in this evening. I didn't have to ask my doctor would he mind being here when the company doc came, he said he had left word with the nurses to paige him when the other doctor arrived. The company doctor came in and did hardly any examination. He read through my notes and then started chatting to me. He seemed a bit annoyed that the company had sent him in. He said he wasn't surprised that I was still in hospital after all i've been through over the last couple of months, and that there is not many people out there that would have kept fighting, if it was him he probably would have given up. I didn't think that he would be so nice and I didn't think he would tell me everything he was writing in his report, I thought he would be all for the company. He said he gets paid wheter he gives them a report they like or don't like and he wished they would stop wasting his time sending him to genuine cases.
I was so relieved he said he would be telling them I was in no fit state to return to work any time in the near future. I was stressing myself out all day over nothing.

Plans are going well for the great escape next week. With a bit of luck i'll be posting from home next week(I think i'm due a bit of good luck).
I hope ye are all well.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 11, 2009, 11:29:54 PM: Hi,

Sorry I didn't post yesterday, I've been working hard on my physio with the hope of getting out of here soon. It's wearing me out so all i've been doing after physio is sleeping(getting very lasy). My normal physios are back and i've been working very hard with them. I am no longer using the walking frame, I have walking sticks now(so I still feel like an old woman ;D)

I experienced a not so good new thing with my knee today. While doing physio my knee dislocated. This has never happened me before and was very painful when it happened. I didn't need to have anything done to get it back into place it went back in itself after a few minutes. I feel stupid asking, but was it actually a dislocation if it went back in itself and would problem have come from the LR surgery. My knee is a bit sore at the minute but nothing major, I have had worse pains in it before.

Anyway I still feel i'm on track to get out of here this week, but it's up to the doc and physios so i'll have to be extra nice to them to make sure they let me home.

I hpoe ye are all well,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on January 12, 2009, 10:25:42 AM: Hi Cynthia

You poor thing, knees are bad!! It sounds like a sublux rather than a dislocation if it went back in on it's own.
It seems strange that it has never happened before as I had my lateral release to stop this happening to my knee. What did your Physio say? I think you need to go back to your OS, you get him to have a look at your knee again, this shouldn't really be happening, but as I have already said, knees are just so badly designed it's unreal.

Hope thing continue to improve, but you need to get seen by an OS about your sublux before you leave hospital. Check with your Physio as to which exercises you should be doing to prevent this happening again.

Good Luck

Maria
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 12, 2009, 04:50:54 PM: Hey Cynthia,

Sounds like you are getting there. I did not have sublux problems after my first release, but have them after this one. Thankfully it does not drigt far, but it sounds terrible and hurts like blazes. The right side is starting to join in. Got a few nice bruises after one this past weekend. A lateral release can destablize the kneecap. I have a Breg PTO brace for the left knee and it usually keeps the kneecap where is belongs, unless the knee is swollen, then all bets are off.

Take care and have the doc or the PT take a look at the sublux issue. Some may be from weak quads too. Once mine got a stronger I did not have it happen so much.

Take care and good luck getting home! I think you've been away long enough.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 12, 2009, 08:31:13 PM: Hi,

Pardon my ignorance, but what is the difference between sublux and dislocation. I don't really know much about this as it has never happened to me before.

Maria - After it happened my physio didn't really say to much, she thought it may have been a one off thing but when I was doing physio today it happened again. John said he was going to ring my OS to let him know what has happened, I told him it was a waste of time as he is based 300miles away, but to my surprise he has started running a clinic once a month from here. He has a clinic tomorrow and said that he will come up to see me as soon as he has finished his clinic. He told John to tell me to lay off the physio for tomorrow until he sees me. I will ask the physio what I should be doing to prevent this when I see her again. I agree with you that knees are very badly designed(must have been a man who designed them ;D) I hope your knee has improved.

Milly - I am definitly getting there and about time too!!! I have a high pain treshold but it hurt like hell when it happened. I did get some bruising on the lateral side of my knee, i'm presuming it came from what happened yesterday and today. PT says my quads are quite good even though they haven't been used much over the last couple of months. She reckons the reason they didn't get to bad is becasue they were in good shape before I came in here.

They are talking about maybe letting me home on Wednesday or Thursday. I can't wait ;D ;D ;D ;D It'll be good to get home at long last and get some decent food. John is very good he brings in food, but I don't think I could eat another salad. I feel like i'm turning into a rabbit eating all that lettuce!!!!

Love to you all from John and I.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 12, 2009, 09:32:53 PM: Hi there,

Sounds like you are in good spirits! I think I can help with the difference between a sublux and a dislocation.

A subluxation is when the kneecap sort of jumps the groove a bit. I usually goes back in place quickly. Mine feel either like the knee is sliding sideways or for smaller ones, like the kneecap is jammed.

A dislocation is where the kneecap literally goes right out of the grove. It typically does not reduce (or go back) by itself. You can tell because the knee looks quite deformed. Thankfully I've never had one of these.

In either case it hurts so much someone needes to peal you off the ceiling. I've had it happen and I will quite often go white from the pain and pressure. It just don't feel at all right. The lateral release could have destablized the kneecap enough to make it jump off a bit. I can watch mine while I ride the bike. I don't watch anymore, it looks so wrong. I can also move the kneecap a bit with my knee bent quite a bit. It really should not do that! Hope I didn't gross you out or anything. My kids can't take seeing any of it happen. My daughter freaks out if I show the keyhole scars! Poor things.

Anyway good luck with the discharge. Tell John the bunny needs a burger. They are really not that hard to fry up and you can even put lettuce in it. lol

Take care both of you.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 12, 2009, 11:12:30 PM: Hey Milly,

I think I understand what you are telling me about the difference between subluxation and dislocation. From what you describe about discloation, that definitly didn't happen to me because my knee didn't look deformed.

Don't worry you didn't gross me out, it would take a lot more than that to gross me out. You poor kids must be very squeamish especially your daughter if she can't even look at your scars. I don't think it's a good idea for you to be moving your kneecap with your knee bent, you could do more damage to your knee.

I just told John that you said the bunny needs a burger and he can put lettuce on it to. He's laughing. He said if I wanted to get out of here it wouldn't be a good idea for me to eat a burger he cooked. He reckons he'd end up giving me food poisoning. I asked him how he managed not to poison himself since i've been in here. He said my mother has been feeding him, she has him spoiled. I must have a word with her she doesn't cook that much for me , only joking she's always bringing me up nice things.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 13, 2009, 05:19:59 AM: Cynthia...So good to read you are doing so well, and may even get to go home. Thats great!! Im so glad things are finally going in the right direction for you. Ill keep checking back for updates. Hope you get the knee thing figured out too. I see my OS on Weds. to schedule my revision. I can hardly wait. ::)

Rick is coming along well surgery wise, but has MRSA, so is on antibiotics to clear that up. Doc said he probably got it in hospital. How nice. Kayla, my daughter, has it now too. Took her to e.r. this evening and she is also on antibiotics. Dont know how she got it as I am the 'bleach queen' so disinfect everything.

Its soooo cold here. Thinking of climbing into my nice, warm bed soon.

Say hello to John for me.

Sleep well.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 13, 2009, 01:49:26 PM: Cynthia,

I don't know where the squeamish came from 'cause not much bothers me. I've patched up bleeding family members without a problem. I can watch surgeries on television and it really doesn't bother me. My mom worked in histology in the hospital. That's the department were they take the stuff they remove after surgery or autopsy, so I've see a lot of stuff. I think my fondest (JK :o), memory was when they brougt in a leg they just amputated. A poor diabetic lady had it removed because of gangrene. My poor kids can barely look at an x-ray! I almost wonder how they will do if they have kids of their own and have to deal with the boo boos themselves.

As far as moving the kneecap around I don't do that too much. It just looked wrong sitting there one day and of course I had to poke at it. Then it moved, yikes. I did show the OS once. I don't make a practice of it because like you said it may cause more damage.

Tell John to get a meat thermometer. That way he'll know when that burger is cooked enough. How about a grilled cheese? My 13 year old can make one of those. The hardest part is not burning it. ;D

Take it easy so they will let you go home this week.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 13, 2009, 06:04:12 PM: Hi,

Milly - I got John a meat thermometer for his birthday for a joke, and he still manages either to have the meat burnt or raw. AS for grilled cheese, I don't think he should even try it. This is a man who has burnt everything he has tried to cook.
I'm sure when your kids have children of thier own they will surprise you and will probably deal with all the gross stuff better than you expexct.

Donna - Sorry to hear that Rick and Kayla have MRSA. I hope they be better soon. You sound a bit like my mum on the cleaning end of things, we call her the bleach queen also. I hate the smell of the stuff, but it kills the bugs so you have to use it. I hope your appointment goes well with your OS on wednesday. I don't think i'd be as excited as you if I was going to see another doc.

I saw my OS today and he thinks my latest knee problem is from my quad muscle not being strong enough. He has given me exercises and a thing called a kneehab brace, and he hopes this will solve the problem. He will see me again in 3 months time to see if there is any improvement. So Milly you were right about the problem coming from weak quads.

John says hello to everyone.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 14, 2009, 11:17:55 PM: Hi,

Great news i've finally tunnelled my way out of the hospital. They finally let me home at 5pm today. I have to go back a couple of times a week for physio and they are sending someone around everyday for the next day or so to see how i'm managing. John has been given the next couple of weeks off until I get back on my feet, so i'm sure i'll manage alright.

Sorry this is such a short message, but i'm really tired so i'm heading to bed. I've had loads of visitors this evening and the last off them just left about 20mins ago. They have worn me out. I didn't think i'd get so tired so quick.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 14, 2009, 11:50:43 PM: I am sooooo happy for you!! ;D :D ;) :) See, those prayers worked!! Now just behave yourself so you dont get in any trouble. Take it easy.

YAY!! ;D :-*

Donna
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on January 15, 2009, 10:45:06 AM: YEAHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH CYNTHIA IS WELL ENOUGH TO GO HOME!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Will email you later...........behave and dont overdue it! :P

Love Lisa x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 15, 2009, 02:11:30 PM: YEAH!!!! It will be nice to be home for sure. You will tire out pretty easy for a while, so try to take it easy. It's easy to say I know. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on January 15, 2009, 06:35:46 PM: FANTASTIC ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Well done on working hard and getting yourself home, take it easy and get plenty of rest. Enjoy a good night sleep in your own bed.

Take care

Maria
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 15, 2009, 11:21:59 PM: Hi,

Maria, Milly, Lisa, Donna - Thanks for the posts.

It was great getting home. I had a great nights sleep in my own bed, it's a lot more comfortable than the hospital bed.

I'm doing my best to take it easy but i've had so many people visiting. I never thought people visiting would be so draining, and I don't want to offend anyone by telling them not to stay for to long when they call. I have no problem with them calling, but they stay for hours updating me with all the gossip since i've been in hospital. I know my friends only mean well by calling but do you think I would sound mean if I asked them when they are calling not to stay for to long.
I feel so much better for being at home, but the energy levels have dropped a little bit.

I hope ye are all well,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lis1 on January 16, 2009, 08:24:10 AM: No Cynthia it's not mean it's sensible ;D :D ;D

THe only way you will return to full fitness is to get enough rest etc to allow the body to do that and you can't get back to normality otherwise. So tell them it's great to see them and you enjoy their company but don't be frightened to say when you have had enough.

Love Lisa x x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 16, 2009, 03:11:04 PM: Hey Cynthia,

It's is not rude at all to limit visitors. You can tell them the doctor gave you limits on how long you can visit with company. Worked pretty good after my surgeries. Most people will understand "doctors" orders.

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 16, 2009, 06:08:38 PM: Hi,

Lisa, Milly - I think I will do what you are advising regarding the visitors. I had 2 girls from work to call in to see me today at lunch time and they are only after leaving 10 mins ago. I never thought I knew so many people!!

I've sent John into town to get some shopping, so i'm going to go bed for a rest until he comes back.

I'll post later.

Take Care,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on January 16, 2009, 06:32:00 PM: Hi Cynthia

Am pleased to hear you are doing well, I think you are right to try and limit visiting times, it's great to see people but as you say it can be draining. I'm still only doing 3 half days at work and have come home and had an afternoon sleep after work every day since I started back, so I know how tired you must be.

Take care, am off for a late evening swim then off to bed for an early night, sleep well.

Hello to John

Maria x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 16, 2009, 11:30:34 PM: Hi Maria,

This is John. I thought I would log on tonight to see how ye all are. Cynthia is fine but I think all the visitors are a bit to much for her.
She went to bed when I went into town to get some shopping and hasn't woken up yet, so i'd say she'll sleep all night now. I was thinking of waking her up because she should really should eat something, but I don't really want to disturb her.
I was talking to a few of her friends when in shopping and asked them to tell people that they are more than welcome to visit, but if they do could they not stay to long as Cynthia's not able for long visits at the minute. They understood totally.

I hear Cynthia was telling you about my culinary skills. She missed out on a great salad tonight!!!! Only joking her mother made a lasagne and dropped it in. I was going to pretend I made it, somehow I don't think she'll believe me(It's not burnt ;D ;D ;D)

I hope that you had a good swim and that work gets a bit easier for you.

Goodnight,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 17, 2009, 06:22:32 PM: Hi,

If you don't hear from me for the next few days, it won't be because i'm sick again. We are being battered by a bad storm at the minute and the power keeps coming and going. I'm glad i'm indoors, there is a gale blowing outside, we live just beside the sea so it probably sounds worse than it is.

Maria - Sorry I did post back last night, I went to bed for a rest and ended up sleeping for longer than I sould have. I've been very lasy today. I've been curled up on the sofa in front of lovely warm fire all day. I feel much better today, i'm not as tired as I was yesterday. I hope you start to find work easier, It's not much fun coming home from work every day exhausted.

John is ordering a pizza and we are going to have a quite night in front of the fire, watching the tv(hopefully the power doesn't go again).

Take care,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 18, 2009, 12:50:42 AM: Hi Cynthia and John,

Glad you are both doing well. John don't worry too much about the cooking. We still tease my sister in law about her boxed mac and cheese she made with a stick of butter! She cooks very well now. I started by using simple recipies and following them to the letter. I will tell you that I have not cooked much in the last few years and tend to burn stuff my self.

I hope the storm has gone on now. We have been getting a boat load of snow today. I drove to the store and could hardly see three cars ahead. So did not linger out today. My daughter made dinner for her boyfriend so we needed a few things. It was a really good pasta dish with some decadant brownies for dessert. I even made real whipped cream for the brownies. I am stuffed!

I have a three day weeked so want to try and get some cleaning done. I figure with three days I can get it done even with a rest every 30 minutes or so.

Anyhow, take care and will post back later.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 18, 2009, 04:46:38 PM: Hi,

Milly - Thanks for the post. The strom has calmed a bit. It's pouring rain one minute and hail stones the next, the news channel says there is a snow storm on the way.

John surprised me today, he managed to cook dinner without burning it. I got him a Nintendo DS last year, there was a new game out last year to teach people how to cook, it takes you through every recipe step by step. I bought him the game for a joke and he only decided to use it today. You should have heard the language coming from the kitchen, I don't think i've heard of half the words he was calling the computer. He came out of the kitchen about an hour or so later very pleased with himself. He made a chicken curry, and believe it or not it wasn't to bad.

John's best friend and his wife are going to Newcastle(england) next weekend and they want John and I to go with them. I'd love to go and I know John could do with the break. John is a bit apprehensive about going, he thinks we should wait a bit longer before we go away. He said his friend won't mind us not going with them this time. Do you think it would be stupid of me to go away so soon?

I have to go now dessert is ready, not sure what it's ment to be though.

Will post later,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 18, 2009, 05:28:52 PM: Wow...you are going from rain and hail to a snowstorm. Thats crazy!! The weather sure has a mind of its own anymore, doesnt it? We had some bitter cold temps over the last week. Schools were closed. Temps below 0. Lowest in 15 years. Now it is snowing again. We probably have about 8 inches on the ground.I like it when it snows heavily. Its soooo pretty. Just not fun to shovel. Lol.

Im not sure if I would go away yet. :-\ I know I would be tempted, but it is rather soon. I think I would just get stronger before I attempted anything like that, you know?

Sounds like John is coming along in the cooking department. I bet hes all proud of himself and now in brag mode? (typical guy thing) Lol. Rick loves to cook. And is so organized about everything . I like to cook too, but hate it when hes in the kitchen watching me....

Ok, well, need to do a few things before the STEELERS game comes on later..... :-\

Take care....

hugs...DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 18, 2009, 10:53:42 PM: Hi,

Donna - I think the weather is gone a little crazy. You wouldn't know what it's going to do next. I don't really know how deep the snow is outside but it is definitly lovely to look at and it looks very deep.

John is so pleased with himself, he keeps going on about the lovely dinner he cooked. Mum and Dad rang us earlier on and he was 10mins on the phone telling mum all about his cooking. He even told her he'd give her recipe. I couldn't help myself laughing he was like a little child who just learned how to cylce a bike or something.

I hope you enjoyed the steelers game.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on January 19, 2009, 12:00:53 PM: Hi Cynthia

How are you doing?, sorry I haven't posted for a while but am now back at work and there doesn't seem to be enough hours in the day to get things done (am having a break from the ironing) Mark seems to think that now I am back at work it means I can be back to doing all the washing, ironing and cooking!!!!

Have been to physio this morning and this are not moving as well as they should be and she has increased the amount of PT I have to do at home, not sure how I'm supposed to find the time!! It's hard enough to fit in everything as it is am swimming 2/3 times a week and she wants me to keep that up but increase the time I spend in the pool from 45mins to an hour or an hour and a half, I asked her if she was going to come around to my house and doing the housework while I'm at the pool!!

Ok have rambled on enough, tell john I'm proud of him with his cooking, if he keeps it up he will be doing a sunday roast in no time ;D

Take care

Maria
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 19, 2009, 07:38:58 PM: Hi Cynthia,

Tell John congrats on the dinner. It does get easier the more you do it. As for the trip, it is mighty tempting to want to go, but it may be too soon. You could give the doc a ring and see what he thinks about it. Your immune system took quite a beating and it may not be up to traveling where there are so many people jammed together (train, plane, boat etc.). You sure don't want to go back to the hospital.

I way over did it this weekend trying to clean do laundry and get the rest of Christmas decorations down. Well didn't finish any of it and the darn knees kept waking me up. I also slept badly as they would not let me sleep on my side they way I usually do. The right one is still throbbing. I took extra pain meds and now have a thobbing knee and a queasy stomach. BLEH! I could happily chuck it all out the window. At least the sun came out today, been snowing two days straight! Now it's time to dig out.

Both of you take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 19, 2009, 11:44:09 PM: Hi,

Milly - I think John must have been taking advise off you. He rang the doctor today and asked him if I was allowed to go away. The doc wasn't very keen on the idea, he said that I would pick up any bugs that are out there very easy at the minute. He said I should wait at least another month before thinking of going away. I honestly didn't think it would do any harm to get away for a few days, but the doc knows best I suppose.
Sorry to hear your knees are giving you trouble at the minute, I suppose the cold weather doesn't help much with the pain either. It's not much fun having to take tablets to make your knee better and then end up with an upset stomach from them, You can't win can you. I hope you get a good sleep tonight and hopefully the snow will have melted by morning so you won't have to dig your way out.

Maria - Don't be apologising about not posting, it's not easy working and then having to tackle housework when you get home. Definitly not enough hours in the day for all that. I'll have to send John over to teach Mark how to do the ironing. John loves to iron(don't know why), so I would never stand in the way of him and his beloved iron. For obvious reasons I do nearly all the cooking, but he's learning now so he'll be cooking a little more often now.
Sorry to hear things aren't moving as well as they should with your knee. Your physio sounds like a slave driver and a bit unrealistic about what she wants you to do. If it was them in your suitation I doubt they would be able to fit in all that swimming, work and housework let alone increase the amount of time you spend in the pool.

In general i'm feeling to bad, although I still get very tired very easily. I was guilty that John was doing everything around the house, So when he went into town this morning I decided to do a bit of housework. Needless to say it nearly killed me, I was absolutely exhausted and ended up having to take my nebuliser. I lay down on the couch and fell asleep. John came back and told me off for cleaning. He said he didn't mind having to do it, he said he took time off work to look after me and to do what needs to be done around the house. I think he understands how fustrated i'm getting because I can't do anything that I want to do.
I was just wondering if it's normal for the cold weather to effect your knees so much. I was getting cabin fever being in the house all day, so I went for a walk to the end of our street and back to the house. Ever since being out in the cold my knees are aching. Could be just that my legs are still not very strong( still using the walking sticks like an old woman), and I may have walked to far. I didn't think it as to far just about a 5 min walk, it would only take 2mins if I was fit.

Anyway I rambled on more than anyone now.

Take care and I hope your knees improve,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 20, 2009, 03:29:55 PM: Hey there Cynthia,

I know how tough it is looking at the same scenery all the time, but better to build up the immune system and not pay another visit to the hospital. I sure understand about wanting to get stuff done at home. I helped my daughter make dinner for her boyfriend Saturday and cleaned some and did laundry. Sunday did some more cleaning and stuff. I really an tired of looking at the Christmas tree! It's all I have left to put away now, but I way over did it and my knees have been really letting me know. It's so hard not being able to DO things. At least this was a long weekend for us and I could sit around Monday. Drove me crazy, but couldn't do much anyway.

I did not have to dig out myself, hubby got the snow blower out. This bitter cold sinks into my knees and makes the pain worse. Alot of folks with knee problems have trouble with cold weather. I've come up with a date for surgery, now got to call the doc and see how close they can get to that date. Not looking forward to recovery, but the surgery should give me some relief.

Well got to get back to work.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on January 20, 2009, 04:26:36 PM: Hi Cynthia,
I've been busy with work and projects at home, so haven't been posting much on the boards lately. So glad to read that you're home at last and doing well! Yippee! I'm pretty happy myself right now. I saw my OS yesterday and was able to report that my knee has felt a lot better since the cortisone shot last month. He said to keep up with my exercises at the gym, I was doing really well and would probably see more improvement in the following months as the microfracture cartilage strengthened and hardened up more. Then he kicked me out! Yahoo! I'm officially discharged!
Sounds like you've been through quite the storm over there. We've also been getting dumped on this year. The snowbanks outside my house are almost taller than me right now and it just keeps coming. All this cold bothers my knees, too. They get a lot more achy in the winter. I'm beginning to envy those folks who can afford to keep a winter home in Florida, where the temps never drop below 30F and snow is almost unknown.
Had to laugh at John and the cooking. Men are such big kids sometimes. It's great that he's learning, though. My hubby enjoys cooking and I'm more than happy to let him share the job. Not my favorite thing to do by any means.
Speaking of being pleased with oneself, my cat, Inky, just came down from the second floor and ran past me with a small cloth bag in his mouth. He was looking like he had just bagged a prize. I followed him because I thought he might have stolen something from one of the kids' rooms, but it turned out to be a bag of catnip! No wonder he was looking so happy! lol!
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 20, 2009, 10:54:59 PM: Hi,

Terre good to hear from you. It is hard to fit in getting on-line along with all the other day to day things. Great news that your OS has discharged you, you must be delighted!! I'm sure if you keepup the good work in the gym your knee will go from strength to strength. The weather has definitly gone a bit crazy at the minute, we get storms every year, but rarely get them as bad as we have done for the last week. Wouldn't it be lovely to have that winter home in Florida, well we can dream I suppose.
John was definitly like a big kid. I think he enjoyed cooking, he was attempting something else this evening but it didn't turn out quite like he imagined. I'm sure if he keeps trying he'll be a master chef soon ;D ;D
Sounds like you have a pretty intelligent cat.

Milly - It sure is tough looking at the scenery everyday, but you are right I should build up my immune system again, I definitly don't want to end up back in the hospital(If I ever have to go back in there they'll have to knock me out first) You should take it easy on your poor knees. I know you are like me wanting to be up and doing things for yourself, but when you end up in so much pain after, you have to ask yourself was it really worth it.
I hope your call to your doc went well and that you got the date for your surgery. I hope you don't think i'm nosy, but what have you got to have done to your knee?
Take it easy on your knees and don't be over doing things.

I'm going to call it a night now, still can't get over how tired I get, before all this happened to me I had the energy to do anything.
John says Hi,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 21, 2009, 01:35:22 AM: Cynthia,

Got all caught up in "fires" at work today and did not make the phone call. I hope to get back from my out of town meeting tomorrow to call. I will definately call on Friday come heck or high water.

The doc plans a pretty big op. First it will be an open surgery so I get a nice railroad down my knee (not that it matters as long as it works and hurts less). He will do a lateral release, a tibial tibercle transfer and a patello femoral replacement, after things are lined up and new hardware is in he will repair the lateral release and tighten or losen the medial area if needed. So I will have an imobilizer for 2-4 weeks and be partial weight bearing for 6 weeks. I have a feeling those crutches of mine will be my companions for a while. Hopefully this will take care of the malignment and instability taken care of and replace the surfaces that are basically worn out. As for my crutches they are older than my children, so an quite familar with them. I stained them blue over the summer so when I get a pic I'll post it. I for some reason (all in my head I know) just don't trust the aluminum ones. So I hang onto my old trusty wooden ones. They are heavier too and tire me out, so there is that part of it to help me behave and rest. If I am going to have them for a long while, I thought about getting some forearm crutches (docs here favor the underarm style). I think the others would be easier for work though. Take up less space etc. I have a "grocery list" of things I want to get first: a riser for the toilet seat, a grabber/reacher, a shower seat and a hand held shower head. Now I just have to find the cash for my list! ::)

If the surgery goes pretty well on the left knee, I plan on having the same done on the right next year (or later this year depending on healing etc.). Maybe once I get the old knees more normal like, my hip and back can get a rest. I walk so funny now that I regularly throw my hip out and my back likes to pull the spasm routine. So I get a whole lower body pain parade when things really get bad.

I've decided that the darn Christmas tree can just stay up until the weekend! My kid offered to help me take it down though. I am going to try to get them to take the ornaments and lights off over the next few days. I can "supervise" from the couch. Thank goodness I have a fake tree and it hasn't rotted away in my family room. Maybe I can get the cat to "assist" too, but unless it looks like a hair elastic I don't think she is interested (she steals them from my daughter and me).

Well sitting here at the home PC is cold (right in front of a large spread of windows). The view is nice, but the cold I can live without.

Has John tried scrambled eggs? One of the first things I learned to cook.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 21, 2009, 05:51:56 PM: Milly,

Sorry you didn't get to make the call yesterday, but i'm sure you'll get around to it. Did you have a fire at work :o

Sounds like you are getting a pretty big job done on your knee. Can I ask what a tibial tibercle transfer is, it doesn't sound good. If you are getting all that done i'd say you will be on your crutches for a long time. It sounds like you have them crutches a heck of a long time, so maybe it would be an good idea to get an upgrade when you have your surgery. As for your "grocery list", Do you guys not have an occupational therapist who calls to you after surgery. I had one visit me after I had my surgery and she went through everything I would need to make things easier around the house when I got out. They orgainsed everything I needed and gave it all to John before I got home. Once I had no need for the stuff anymore I gave them back. They don't charge for the stuff.

I can't believe you would want to go ahead and get your right knee done this year to, but if it helps the pain I suppose it's worth it. I understand about the back and hip problems, I have thrown my back out a few times because of the way i've been walking.

I have tried eating scrambled eggs that John made once and I don't think i'll be trying them again anytime soon. They looked lovely, but when eating them I found out he dropped more than a little egg shell in them.

Gotta go now medication time. Will post later.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 21, 2009, 11:42:17 PM: Hi,

I had a visit today from the Doctor. He was pleased enough with my progress, but he said I still have a lot of noise and congestion on my left lung(congestion!!You'd swear my lungs were like rush hour traffic on the motorway). So I still have all these stupid drugs to take :'( I told him I went for a walk to the end of the street and back and he nearly went mad, he doesn't want me going outside unless absolutely necessary. He says it's far to cold and the cold air will increase the chance of having another asthma attack. I'm going to go bloody mad if I have to stay indoors.

Anyway enough of my moaning, there are a lot more people out there more worse off than me at the minute. I hope ye are all well.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 22, 2009, 12:03:54 AM: Hi Cynthia,

So crunchy eggs are not so nice I agree. Could you possibly use a face mask of some kind to go outside if you don't stay out long? Definately don't want to trigger another asthma attack. Make sure you take all the drugs as the doc says. My hubby didn't and that's how he ended up in the hospital for a week. It certainly is difficult to stay in all the time.

A tibial tubercle transfer (TTT) is where the OS cuts the patella tendon from the shin and moves it up, down or over (even sometimes forward) to align the kneecap. It goes along with the lateral release and medial tissue repair to get the kneecap in the proper alignment. I'm not so sure I would want to to both in one year, it really depends on how the healing goes. It also depends on how quickly I can earn the sick time back, so I can take off. I can do it without pay, but in these financial times that does not sound like a good idea. The only way I would do that is if I had no choice at all. Sometimes after surgery I get sick easier, so it can be a challenge to get the time back.

As for the items I need, I'm not sure if the hospital has an occupational therapist to recommend things. That was one of the things I was going to ask the nurse when I scheduled surgery. There may be some things my insurance would pay for and it may pay for rental of a CPM machine or ice machine. Not sure about that yet. If the doc does not prescribe a polar care ice machine, I think a friend of mine has one I can borrow. She had both knees replaced a few years back. Some of it just depends on what the insurance will cover. I may have to give them a ring as well and ask about what medical equipment is covered.

The crutches are difficult for me, I really think the aluminum ones are going to slip out from under me. I know that they can support a lot of weight etc, but the tips are smaller than the wooden ones. I think I have a mental block about them. I may ask the doc and/or nurse about the forearm ones for work. It seems that over here the underarm ones are preferred, but the forearm ones seem better for getting your gate back. Well I'm going to add that to my list of questions to ask the nurse.

Take care and take your meds.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on January 22, 2009, 04:56:56 PM: Hi Cynthia

Hope all is well, have been to hydrotherapy today for the 3rd time this week!! It is good but after being at work for 6 hours and standing up for the whole time it's hard to motivate myself to go, have you thought about asking your Doctor or Physio about referring you to hydrotherapy? I know I moan but it really has been working wonders 30mins to and hour in a nice warm pool, I do my physio exercises when I'm there but there is no pressure on your joints and you work harder because of water resistance (plus the one I go to has a jacuzzi, which I make full use of!)
It's just a thought but it may help, plus it will get you out of the house a few days a week.

Has john rustled up any Gordon Ramsey style dishes lately?

Take care, am off to start dinner for Mark (think it may be a takeaway tonight as really cant be bothered)

Maria x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 22, 2009, 11:56:13 PM: Hi,

Milly- I suppose I could try a face mask, but I would feel a bit paranoid that people were starring at me if I went out wearing something like that. I think I will just wait until the weather improves before going out for little walks. I still have plenty of visitors calling so I won't be on my own very much. The description of the surgery you are getting on your knee sounds very painful, I hope all goes well for you and that it puts an end to all your pain once and for all. Sounds like you have a lot of questions to ask when you go to see your OS, so it's a good job your making a list.

Maria - Things are going well, John and I had a bit of a fright today but i'll tell you about that in a minute.
There is a hydrotherapy pool in our local gym. I'm a member in this gym, so I suppose I could use that or do I need to ask my doc or physio first. I don't think you moan, your just like me and like to have a little rant now and again. There's nothing wrong with that, it's good for you. Sounds like your enjoying being in the pool especially the jacuzzi ;D
John has made an attempt at stir fry with noodles today, the noodles were cooked to prefection, but god love him he put the full bottle of soy sauce on the veg. Even he admitted it wasn't edible, so we ended up with a takeaway. I hope you and Mark enjoyed your takeaway.

I'll tell you about our little fright now. We decided to collect our takeaway rather than have it delivered, as I wanted to get out of the house and I didn't think it would do me much harm going from the house to the car, the cold air wouldn't get to me that quick. We set off for and ther were 2 cars ahead of us on the road and one behind us. We were coming up to a roundabout and suddenly the first car jammed on his brakes, the second car went flying into the back of the first car, I don't know how John managed it but somehow he quickly managed to manoeuvre out of the way without hitting the second car. The car behind us wasn't so lucky they ended up crashing into the back of the second car. I don't know is it the training they get before they start driving the squad car or if it was just luck. Thankfully nobody was seriously injured. The police and all the usual RTA services were there. John told the police to call to the house if they needed a statement, that he wasn't hanging around in the cold I wish we could all the the police we weren't waiting around, If you want a statement you can do a house call. Must be a perk of the job. We eventually got to pick up our takeaway, but by the time we got home I wasn't hungry anymore. I think the hunger was scared out of me(if that's possible).
So that was my eventfull evening(Never a dull moment here). I think i'll be safer off indoors from now on, less chance of anything happening to me. John has the fire lit and the central heating on and i'm still freezing. I haven't warmed up all evening, so I think i'll go to bed now I might warm up wrapped up in my duvet. Poor John is going around in shorts and t-shirt, he's says i'm trying to melt him.

John says hello and hopes you all are well.

Take care,

Cynthia and John xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: MD-F on January 23, 2009, 08:24:43 PM: Hi Cynthia

Am glad you survived your drama, must of been a day for it yesterday, on my way home some boy racer pulled out on my at a roundabout, then tried to burn me off at the lights - silly boy, never mess with a woman with a bad knee, PMT and a 2 liter BMW - the best thing was watching getting stopped by an unmarked police car after he cut him up on the duel carriage way ;D ;D ;D

Speak to your GP before you start hydrotherapy as he may be apprehensive about your immune system, but hopefully he /she will be all for it, as I said I'm really enjoying it and for you I think it would be great to get you out of the house, I know how easy it is to get stir crazy, it's also very easy to slide into a bit of depression when you are stuck in the house all day.

Am pleased to hear John is still having a go at the cooking thing - from what you have said I'm not sure Richard Corrigan has anything to worry about just yet :P
I am lucky Mark is a really good cook , but he has no idea what an iron is, so i guess there is always a trade off.

Take care

Maria x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 25, 2009, 12:20:39 AM: Hi,

Maria - I definitly must have been a day for lunatic drivers. I'm glad that boy racer that tried to burn you off at the lights got caught before he caused an accident. It's the likes of them that give the rest of the young carefull drivers a bad name and has the car insurance for young people so high. I've been driving since I was 17 but had to go as a named driver on my parents car as the insurance quotes I got were all more expensive than my car. I passed my driving test when I was 21 and got insurance in my own name then, even though I had passed my test my insurance was still €2500. I was told it would come down when I was over 25. I renewed my insurance last week and got it for €450, that's a heck of a lot cheaper than €2500. It doesn't seem fair that all the young people with a good driving record should be penalised for the recklessness of the boy racers.

Sorry about the little rant.
I had to have the GP around yesterday, I was going to go in to see him but he said not to that he would call to me. He said I would probably end up picking up some bug sitting in the waiting room. John called him yesterday morning because I was having a bit of trouble with my asthma. I didn't sleep much Friday night because everytime I lay down I took a fit of coughing. I thought it woulld be the afternoon when the GP would call, so I was surprised to see him a half an hour after John had phoned him. He did the usual examination, and I had to use that stupid peak flow thing, I didn't do to well on that test I only got it as far as 190. Anyway I have bronchitis, so i'm on more drugs. Klacid 1000mg once a day, Cortisone 8 for the first 3days then bring it down everyday after that, Seretide inhaler 500, Ventolin inhaler and nebuliser, I'm like a walking chemist. I fell a good bit better today, but I haven't a clue how I caught bronchitis, it's not like i've been in crowed places unless someone that called in to see me passed it on, but I don't think anyone who called was sick.

Richard Corrigan definitly has nothing to worry about yet, I don't think John is going to make master chef anytime soon. Your so lucky Mark is such a good cook, I'll have to send John over to him for lessons :D
I've just been told I should go to bed cause I look like S***, what a nice fiance I have, bet Mark wouldn't say that to you. John says hello and hopes you are well.

Take care

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 25, 2009, 01:33:36 AM: Hi Cynthia,

I'm glad the traffic incident was nothing major. I agree about the reckless younger drivers giving the others a bad name. It's the same with motorcyle riders, the few that ride like idiots make the rest of us look bad. As far as insurance goes, it sure does cost. We have one teen driver on with another one going on next year. Ouch!

Bad luck with the bronchitis. After all you've been through it would be easy to pick up something. Someone that came tov visit may have brought it in. I know my husband picks that stuff up easier than the rest of us because of his COPD (lung disease). So you have enough medication to set up your own shop? Maybe your prices would be better! :-\ I spent a much bigger amount that I planned on new pain meds yeterday. When the clerk gave me the total I thought I was going to have a heart attack. If it works on this pain, then it will be worth every penny.

I've gotten two new pain meds. One is a long acting 12 hour med and one is an 8 hour faster acting one. I take the 12 hour in the AM and at night after dinner. The fast acting is only for when the pain is not eased with the other. I took a 12 hour one and the faster one about an hour apart last night and managed a decent nights sleep. I've needed both today, but the pain has been crazy for the last few weeks, so I figure it needs a bit of time to calm down. I sure hope the new meds help me function better. I still need to work until I have surgery! I have asked for the first week of April, so I'll see what I get when the nurse calls next week. I just was not sure I could make it that long with the way the pain has been.

Well best go for now. Take care and tell John hello and to keep up the cooking practice.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 25, 2009, 10:49:20 PM: Hi Milly,

Do you actually ride a motorcycle. I like to look at them but I think that's as far as i'll go. I think i'm safer on four wheels.

I was thinking the same that I picked the bronchitis up off someone who called in to see me. I could sell all the drugs i'm on and make a fortune. My granny has COPD like your husband, she gave up the cigarettes 30yrs ago and was diagnosed with it about 15yrs ago. Has you husband quit smoking or is he still on them?

Sorry to hear your knee is giving you so much trouble. Hopefully you get the date you want for your surgery and that will be an end to your pain. The pain meds can be very expensive but if they work you'd probably pay any price for them.

I'm feeling a bit better today. The meds are good but the side effects aren't so good. I have a horrible headache and am very tired.
I'm off to bed now. Will post again tomorrow. John says hello and says Gordon Ramsey better watch out.

Take Care,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: allie on January 26, 2009, 12:53:14 AM: Hi Cynthia

I havent posted on your thread beore but have read your whole story yesterday, you have been through an awful lot havent you and you have been so brave I think. John sounds great and now he has discovered cooking it seems like there is no stopping him!

I have had pneumonia recently and am just getting over it- I was only in hospital for 2 weeks though and didnt have half of the problems that you have had, I don't have asthma so I think it is less dangerous for me.

I hope that you continue to feel better each day and that you get over the bronchitis thing quickly, sometimes the side effects from meds can be worse than the original symptoms.

Have a good day today and continue taking it easy

Allie xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 26, 2009, 05:15:59 AM: Hello Cynthia....

So sorry about the bronchitis. I am just so glad you didnt go away. At least you are home where there arent a bunch of extra germs and stuff. I hope this passes quickly and you are on the mend real soon.

Have they ever had you on Advair?? I use that twice a day. Its a preventative, and I love it. I ran out one time before I had insurance, and immediately had a flare up. Its really good stuff.

How is your weather there? Its cold and snowy here. We are supposed to get more snow tomorrow night. Its never ending.

So "Chef John" is getting pretty good in the kitchen, eh?? Tell him to go to the store and buy some turkey breast from the deli....sliced fairly thick. Also buy a box of stuffing mix and a jar of gravy. Prepare the stuffing as it says on the box. Then lay a slice of turkey down, put some stuffing in it and roll it up. Put in baking dish. Do this with how ever many slices you want to have. Then pour gravy over it. Bake at 350 degrees for about a half hour. Easy and yummy!! HE CAN DO IT!!! ;D

Hope this coming week brings you strength and encouragement....

Lots of hugs....to you both.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 26, 2009, 03:03:54 PM: Hi Cynthia,

Yep I actually ride a motorcycle. I've been riding on one in some fashion literally since I was a baby. My dad only made it to the end of the driveway before mom stopped him (I don't think I was a year old yet!). I cried after mom took me off the bike. The pic on my profile is my bike. I really enjoy it.

As for hubby I think he believes he's superman or something. He still smokes. We all tell him to quit, the kids are worst of all about it. My daughter is waiting for him to go back to the hospital this winter (like last year). I think I'll pass, that was way too much for me.

The new meds are helping a lot. I could actually get my house cleaned up a bit yesterday. I did rest for an hour or so between rooms and it took all day, but I got it done. I feel better about that anyway. Doesn't feel like I'm trying to live in filth (not that the others did not clean up, but....). The price is higher, but if I can function, it's worth it. The idea is to get some relief until surgery. Once I'm through surgery, I'll go from there. Hopefully I won't need the meds once the surgery pain is better.

Take care and rest as needed (or as much as you can tolerate lol).
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 27, 2009, 12:03:58 AM: Hi,

Allie - Thanks for the post. Sorry to hear that you also had pneumonia also. It's not a very nice thing to catch and i'm finding quite hard to get back to normal since catching it, but i'm sure it won't be long before I get back to normal again. John is great and I would be lost without him, he is trying his hardest to master the whole cooking thing. It's quite funny to watch him, sometimes he is like a little child cooking with more of the ingredents on him than actually in the pot. I hope you continue to recover and feel better soon.

Donna - The bronchitis is just yet another hurdle for me to get over, and with a bit of luck i'll leap over the hurdle with no problems. I forgot that I actually wanted to go away for the weekend, I suppose in a way i'm lucky I didn't but i'm sure the doctors in the UK are as good as the ones here if not better. I don't think i've ever been on Advair, but then again i've been on that many things for my asthma over the years I may have been and just don't remember. You are lucky that your insurance covers your medication, over here you have to pay for your drugs. There is a card you can sign up for and you only have to pay the first €100 for your drugs the rest is free. The sertide prevenatative inhaler I have costs €96 each month pretty expensive but if it works I don't mind. It usually works well, the GP increased the strenght of the one I was on when he was here so hopefully that does the trick. The weather has improved slightly, it's not snowing but it's raining now. The thing with the turkey sounds nice, but John hates stuffing out of a box, believe it or not he is able to make stuffing from scratch. I don't know how he could master that yet he can't boil an egg. When do you go in for you op?

Milly - I'd love to be able to ride a motorcycle but everytime I make an attempt to, I end up getting so nervous that I can't even sit on the bike. I'm afraid of my life i'll fall off, so i've just decided to stay with the four wheels and admire the bikes from a distance. Your hubby sounds like most men, they seem to think they are invincible. It's probably useless trying to get him to give up, when he has enough of the cigarettes making him unwell he will give them up himself. I hope your daughter is wrong and that he doesn't go back into the hospital.
I'm glad the new meds are helping, be sure that you don't over do it though. The meds might have you pain free but you don't want to doing anymore damage to your knee by over doing it. I really hope the surgery works for you and that you end up pain free for good.

I'm starting to get really bored sitting in the house all day, there is only so much daytime TV that I can watch. My chest has improved since yesterday and i'm able to breath more easily thank god because they were talking about sending me back to the hospital again if it hadn't improved by tomorrow. I think i've seen enough of that hospital to last me a lifetime and definitly don't want to go back there anytime soon. I told John there was no way I was going back in, they'd have to drag me there kicking and screaming. The steroids seem to be doing the trick so hopefully when the doc calls tomorrow he'll be happy enough. I've slept most of the day because of this stupid headache I have, I think it must be a side effect form some of the tablets so the sooner they are finished the better.

John has to go back to work next week, he's not impressed he is trying to get more time off. I've to him i'll be fine and if I need him all I have to do is ring him, he just worries to much. The boys from the station were around this morning trying to get him to go out with them this weekend and he won't go, he says he doesn't want to leave me. It will do him the world of good to get out with the boys so it is my mission this week get him to go out and relax.

Ok i'm off to bed now. Hope everyone gets a good painfree nights sleep. Hello to you all from John.

Take care,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 27, 2009, 12:59:32 AM: Cynthia,

Glad the breathing is better. Sure hope it's good enough for the doc and no more hospital for a long while. Daytime TV will eventually rot you brain I'm sure. You should try it with preschool programming!

As for motorcycles I have never been afraid. Always a bit of a dare devil. I wanted to be just like Evil Knieval when I was a kid. I did figure out that broken bones were not a great idea, so gave up on that. I just ride for fun.

I have a strange cooking thing for you. My husband can cook anything but can't make gravy from scratch! So I think it's all in what we want to be able to do.

I still felt pretty good today, so don't think I did too much. I am definately not going to go too crazy. I'm just glad I can get some decent sleep. I think that was the worst. I was starting to get like a toddler that needed a nap, whinney, crying and grouchy. Not a pretty sight for sure. It's not so overwhelming when you are not exhausted.

Talk to you later.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: mikej on January 27, 2009, 12:06:27 PM: Hi guys,
I only recently had a LR on 7th Jan. I'm in pain when bending to quick and sudden movements. My knee gave way the other day when just standing in the kitchen. I'm getting fed up with it at the mo. Everyone around me is saying it'll take time but it's easy for them to say when they got full use and pain free knee.
Anyone got any words or story of encouragement for me.
Cheers
Mike
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 27, 2009, 04:16:21 PM: Hi Mike,

I posted on your other thread too. You can check my post op diary, the link is in my signature. Good luck.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 27, 2009, 11:49:06 PM: Hi,

Mike - It's not to long since you've had your LR so it will still be quite painful and sudden movements can make the pain worse. Don't be put off by anything that I have posted about my LR, nothing ever seems to go straight foward for me and unfortunatly my knee is still giving me bother, I would go as far as to say it has got worse since the LR was done. I am presuming you were given exercises to do post op and that you are going to physio. The exercises are very important, they will stop any muscle wastage to the quads. If the quad muscle is weak it will take longer for your knee to recover. Make sure that you are elevating your knee as much as possible and that you ice it every couple of hours to keep the swelling. If you have pain there is no harm in taking pain meds, but i'm assuming you are taking them already. I am sure your knee will improve, it will just take time. I know how fustrating it can be when things don't seem to be moving as quick as you'd like.

Milly - I can cook nearly anything and I couldn't make gravy from scratch. I suppose if I was shown i'd be able to but i'm quite happy buying the granules and just adding water ;D ;D
I'm glad you are feeling good today and that all your cleaning didn't cause you any problems. It's great when the pain meds work and that you can actually get a decent sleep. It's amazing that if you don't get enough sleep how it can effect you emotionally.
I think you were right to just stick to riding the bike for fun, it's not good breaking so many bones. The daytime tv has already rotted my brain, I feel as if i've lost alot of good information that i had stored in there.

The evil doc was here today, he has my arms all bruises from all the blood he has taken(I think he is secretly a vampire). I had all the usual tests done and the peak flow thing again. That test improved a bit since he was here last, it was 190 I think the last time and now I can get it up to 220. What is it with doctors, when they examine you they have such serious faces and every few seconds you see a frown or hear tut tut. He still isn't very happy with my breathing and wanted me to go to the hospital, but I dug my heels in and said NO. I'm better off at home, there are a hell of a lot more bugs in the hospital than there is at home. Obviously the doc wasn't happy that I wouldn't go but he has respected my wishes and said he will call again in a couple of days but if I have any problems call him or if things get worse to go straight to the hospital. John said if anything changed I would have no choice if anything changed he would make sure that I do what i've been told. I don't know why they are fussing so much, I don't actually feel that bad, ok it would be great if the breathing was better but that will come right when the infection clears.

Time for bed again so i'll chat to you all tomorrow.
Take care,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 28, 2009, 02:49:00 AM: Hey Cynthia,

Got a new thread since I got my surgery date today. I put the link in below. Yeah the lack of sleep can really do you in and make you think you are crazy. I hope the new meds keep working until April so I can continue to get good sleep. I stayed home today because I had a serious sinus headache. Felt like my eye was going to go rolling on the floor. Feel much better now after some decongestants and rest. I hate the ones like today, feels like a spike through my eye and out the top of my head. With my meds having tylenol in them I have to watch what sinus meds I take. Too much Sudafed and my heart races, so I'm not left with too many choices. :P

http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?topic=45900.0

Well I'm watching one of my favorite shows on FOX network, FRINGE. It's kind of out there weird, a cross between x-files and CSI. Will check back tomorrow.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 28, 2009, 05:40:32 PM: Hi Milly,

Sorry to hear you are feeling unwell. Sinus headaches can be so bad you feel like your head is going to explode. I'm glad the decongestants are starting to work. Make sure you are getting plenty of rest, hey maybe it was all you dusting that flared up your sinus.

Hope you are feeling better today. Will post again later.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 29, 2009, 12:14:49 AM: Hi,

The doc was around today. He did all the usual tests and did the peak flow test again. I have improved a bit on this test it was 190 the last time and now i'm up to around 220 I can't remember the right figure. He wanted me to go into the hospital again so I could get extra help with my breathing but I dug my heels in and said NO. I told him I was better off at home that there are a hell of a lot more bugs in the hospital than there are at home and that I would recover better at home. He respected my wishes and said he would call back in a couple of days to see how things were progressing, but if things started to get worse that I had to go straight to the hospital. As if i'd have a choice if I was looking anyway dodgy John would have me in the hospital before I could get a chance to argue with him about going.

I finally got John to go out with the boys from the station. He went out this evening with them to watch some football match and then they were going for a few drinks. I was hoping he would go out relax and enjoy himself, instead he has been calling me every hour. I really wish he could learn to relax a bit more. It's not good for him to be so anxious, he'll make himself sick worring all the time. Any tips on how to get him to relax would be greatfully recieved.

It's time to hook myself up to the nebuliser so i'll say good night. Hope ye all have a good nights sleep.

Take care,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on January 29, 2009, 02:44:30 AM: Cynthia,
with all the close calls you've had over the past few months, it's not surprising that John is anxious about this new illness. It's probably going to be awhile before he calms down, but it will happen in time. Maybe he'd feel better about going out if you arranged to have a friend stay with you at the same time. Just a thought. :)
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 29, 2009, 02:27:05 PM: Cynthia,

I think Terre's right. Once things get back to more normal John should relax some. All this likely scared the heck out of him.

I've been having trouble with the sinus pressure for a while, but finally had to give in and get some rest and fluids. I don't like to drink that much water at work as I end up in the restroom so much. :) I also stayed home because with all the other allergy meds a decongestant can make me dizzy. So thought is safer if I did not try driving around too much. The dusting does make things worse, but someone needs to do it. One day I will try a mask again while dusting. It's hard with glasses though, you end up fogging them up and can't see. Since it's been so cold my hubby has been smoking in his 'man cave' in the basement. It travels up the stairs to stick by the door to outside, so walk through it every time I want to go downstairs or outside. He just can't see it bothers me so much. Kind of it doesn't bother me, so why does it bother you kind of thing. He doesn't see that is does have an effect on him too. He's less stuffy and congested when he does not smoke. Sometimes I wonder how big a brick you need to make an impression. Ah well, he's pretty good about every thing else.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on January 29, 2009, 05:33:42 PM: Milly,
I think it takes a whole house! My brother-in-law, who's been a lifelong smoker, developed emphysema a couple of years ago and STILL won't give it up. My sister is tearing her hair out.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 29, 2009, 06:05:13 PM: Hey Terre,

Maybe your sister and I could compare notes! I think it may take a house or mountain or something. I know some of it is addiction, but there are groups for that and medications. Ah well. I keep trying.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 29, 2009, 11:47:11 PM: Hi,

Milly and Terre, I know you are right it will take John a bit of time to start relaxing again, but he did seem to enjoy himself when he went out lastnight even though he rang me nearly every hour. I suppose I did scare the heck out of him so what else can I expect. Milly your husband sounds like one of the girls I work with. She has had cancer twice in the last 8yrs and is still smoking 40 a day. When she was in hospital and I would visit her she would beg me to bring her outside for a cigarette. I don't think she will ever give them up, but if it was me after having cancer the first time that would have been enough for me to give up.

I have had a bit of an up and down day breathing wise , so I don't know if I should go to the hospital. When I lying down I can hear my chest rattling, don't know if ye can relate to that but it sounds odd. I haven't told John that i'm feeling bad today but I think he's starting to notice, he keeps asking me if i'm feeling ok. Part of me is afraid to say anything incase I end up in the hospital(I know i'm a baby afraid to go to hospital). I didn't sleep very well last night so I don't know if that is why i'm feeling so bad today. Everytime I got off to sleep last night I kept having the same dream that I was in hospital and couldn't breath and the doctors weren't able to do anything for me, then I would wake up gasping for air. I know it was only a dream and it doesn't mean anything but part of me is afraid that if I go to the hospital something is going to wrong.

Anyway enough of being a baby, I must go and use the nebuliser. I'll post tomorrow.

Take care,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 30, 2009, 01:10:42 AM: Cynthia,

Can you prop yourself up a bit when you lay down? I know it helps me when I have a chest cold. Seems like once you lay flat things settle in the wrong places. I can understand why you would not want to go to the hospital. I wouldn't either. If things don't improve, please check with the doc if you cannot bring yourself to go to the hospital.

Having trouble typing and thinking. I had to take all the pain meds so I'm feeling fuzzy. I heard on the weather that it's supposed to snow tonight. Wish I couldn't tell! At least I've been able to sleep better at night. Think I may turn in early tonight. I've also been trying to help my son with his math. I haven't done some of it in a while and was getting frusterated. They got some new books this year and it doesn't show any examples. Sometimes the old brain just needs a little reminder, like put the darn theorem down at least. Poor kid is having so much trouble with math this year. Doesn't help that the teacher has some anger issues. I had hoped he would get a different math teacher this term, but no such luck.

Well I suppose I've ranted enough myself. Take it easy.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 30, 2009, 02:59:52 AM: Hi Milly,

I've tried propping myself up and I end up sliding down the bed. I can't sleep again(hence why i'm online so late) so i'm downstairs lying on the sofa, I don't want to be keeping John awake. I'm feelinng pretty crap at the minute, i've a pain in my chest going through to my back from all the coughing and my head is killing me.

I hope it doesn't snow to bad where you are tonight, and that the pain eases so you don't have to take all those pain meds that make you feel unwell. The math would give anyone a fuzzy head, it was never my favourite subject at school, because like your son I had a teacher with major anger issues. In the end I couldn't take anymore of him and I went to the principals office and told her to phone my mum that I was leaving the school because I couldn't learn anything with a teacher like that, I came to school to get an edcuation not to be made to look stupid in front of everyone if I didn't understand something. To cut a long story short she never called my mum to collect me, she moved me to different math class and I learned more in the short time I was in his class than I did for the 2yrs I was in the other teachers class. So maybe you could get your son moved to a different class with a teacher who has less anger issues.

I think it's time I tried to get some sleep.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on January 30, 2009, 02:18:04 PM: Hey Cynthia,

So sorry you cannot sleep. Do you think the chest pain is more muscle pain from coughing? We are supposed to get about 3 inches today. I will warm up to freezing this weekend and drop back down first of the week. You know it's cold when just above freezing makes you feel almost too warm for a coat.

I may see about transfering him to a different math teacher. I just don't want to mess up his electives. He likes wood shop. I may just drop the principal line about it.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 30, 2009, 07:33:30 PM: Hi,

Milly - I defintily think the pain is from coughing it wouldn't be anything else. I have increased the dose of ventolin for the nebuliser from 2.5 to 5.0 with a hope of getting some relief. I do get some relief but it seems to wear off very quick. I am going to wait and see how the next dose goes and if I don't get good relief this time I think i'll have admit defeat and go to the hospital.
Did you get all the snow you were supposed to get. I hope it doesn't last to long, I know the cold weather plays hell with bad knees. I don't think the we ever get weather as cold as you guys.

Hve to go now and take yet more meds. I will post again later.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 31, 2009, 04:30:04 AM: Cynthia....please dont take any chances...go to the hospital.

hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on January 31, 2009, 03:22:37 PM: I have to agree with Donna, sweetie. You're better off in the hospital if things aren't getting better, even though I know you hate to admit that.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on January 31, 2009, 06:27:19 PM: Hi,

Donna - Terre,
Unfortunatly i'm not feeling much better today. I know what you guys are saying is probably right, but i'm just not ready to give in yet. I'm going to leave it a little longer to see how things progress, I haven't got any worse since yesterday so that has to be a good thing.

I'd say if John knew how things really were he'd have me thrown in the car and on the way to the hospital. I don't really want to tell him because he has been through enough stress with all that is happened lately and I don't want to worry him anymore. Beside all that he is going back to work tonight and I don't want him calling work to say he's not going in because i'm sick again. I know he says his sergant is very understanding and doesn't mind him taking time off but his sergant wouldn't have asked him to come back to work if he didn't need him.

It's my first time to be on my own since getting out of hospital. It'll be strange to be on my own.

Will post again later,

Take care,
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Doc79316 on January 31, 2009, 11:45:49 PM: Hi Cynthia,

Sorry I havene't posted for a while. Have responded to your PM.

PLease don't be so stubborn. If you don't improve (and bear in mind we're in for some lousy weather too), please go back to the hospital. I knwo you don't want to go back but if you're realy ill, then at least you'll be surrounded by medical personnel who can help you if you need it. Even if they say there's no need to worry and you can go straight back home - isn't it worth making the trip if only to be reassured? Then John may not worry quite so much also.

Whilst John's at work would it be possible for you to ask a friend or family member to come round and be with you. I know you don't need a babysitter, but I remember when I had a PE - it was only because a friend of mine insisted that I go to hospital that I'm here now.

I know you're situation is different tomine, but please don't take any chances with your health. It's not worth it. And if you're unwell, you can't plan properly for your wedding.

ANyway, enough of the lecture. Yiannis is still trying to eatr my foot!

Take care,

Laura xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on January 31, 2009, 11:52:35 PM: Oh my goodness, Cynthia, you sure do worry me....please keep us informed. :-\

Donna
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 01, 2009, 01:09:42 AM: Hey Cynthia,

I think the others are right, don't be so stubborn. I hope tomorrow finds you better, but if not get someone to take you in please. As for the snow, we did not get all of it and it has warmed up above freezing. With the wind though it's still cold. Got to go finish the laundry. Let us know how things are going.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 01, 2009, 01:27:45 AM: Laura, Donna, Milly

I know I can be stubborn, well I don't know if it's stubborn or just being stupid. I really don't think I could handle having to go back into hospital. Laura you might be right they may send me home again, but then again they might not. I know if things get worse I will have to give in and go but right know I want to try and fight this off at home.

I feel guilty for not telling John how crap I am really feeling but I knew if I told him he would not have gone back to work and he would end up worrying even more than he is worrying already. He went back to work tonight and has rang a few times to see how I am. I think I will take your advice Laura and ask one of my friends to stay tomorrow night. It might make John feel more at ease knowing that there is someone here with me. I know it might sound like i'm being selfish, but I really don't want to cause John any more worry.

Things haven't changed much today apart from a new pain. I have a pain going down the left side of my neck and into my shoulder. I'm going to take yet more pain meds now and then hopefully i'll be able to sleep tonight. Hopefully tomorrow will bring a better day.

Good night
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 01, 2009, 04:55:40 AM: Cynthia,
you may be able to keep John from worrying, but I'm sure getting concerned. I really don't like the sound of any of this and I'm going to have to be a mom and nag you about going to the hospital. Sorry, hon, but you're scaring me and all of your other friends here. This is not sensible behavior. I hope you're not offended, but I'm seriously worried.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 01, 2009, 12:40:55 PM: Hi,

First I would like to apologise for scaring anyone, this was not my intention. Terre don't worry i'm not offended.
I have to go now but I will post later and let you all know whats going on.
Again i'm very sorry for causing anyone to worry.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 01, 2009, 05:41:26 PM: Hi,

Once again sorry for scaring anoyone or causing anyone to worry.
I went to the hospital early this morning and have been getting tests done all day. I'm not sure if I should be using the laptop so i'll keep this message short.
They are saying that I have fluid or something around my heart and fluid on my lungs. I have to have a test called Pericardial fluid culture done which they said they will do in the next hour. I have had x-rays, heart echo, CBC(I assume this is just a normal blood test). They told me about this test they are going to do and i'm not looking foward to it. It sounds quite painful.
Anyway have to go now, this pain in my neck and shoulder are making it hard to type. I'll ask is it ok to use the laptop in here and then next post I can tell you all the details.
Right now still feel crap and a bit like a pin cushion with all the needles being stuck in me.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: allie on February 01, 2009, 10:14:40 PM: hi cynthia,
I am so sorry to hear that you had to go back to the hospital, I know you didnt want to at all. I hope the tests are over with quickly and tha you start to feel a bit better soon

allie xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 02, 2009, 01:01:02 AM: Hi,

Ok here I am stuck in the hospital again, i'm not happy about being in here but it wasn't fair that I was worrying everyone and I wasn't able to fight it off anymore.

I went to bed after my last post last night. As usual I was finding it difficult to get to sleep.It was about 5am and the pain I was having in my neck going into my shoulder was getting worse and was starting in my back and was made worse when I took a deep breath or lay down. I was getting more shorter of breath and the pain was worse if I swallowed anything and to top things off I had a fever. I thought the sore throat and fever was just part of having a bit of a cold along with the bronchitis. At this stage being at home on my own and feeling worse than I had done earlier, I knew it was time to give in and call for help. I called John and told him how I was feeling, he was a bit annoyed I hadn't told him earlier how I was feeling(couldn't blame him really, I was stupid). He was out on a call, so he told me to call an ambulance and that he would be at the hospital as soon as he could, I was going to call a taxi, I didn't think I was bad enough to be wasting the time of an ambulance but John insisted I called one. He radioed one of the girls who was on the night shift who was in the area to make sure that I got help. She came in and sat with me until the ambulance arrived.

When I arrived at the hospital they started to do loads of tests on me. I was trying to tell them it was just my asthma causing me grief but they said they wanted to rule out other causes first. I was given an ECG, an X-ray and then an echo. I though an echo was a bit pointless, surly an x-ray would shown anything that needed to be seen. After all that I had a load of blood taken, well they gave it a posh title but it's all blood that they took so i'll call it a blood test. They came and told me that I had pericaritis, I was like can you say that in english please. The doc said that there is an accumulation of fluid around the heart and that there was inflammation there to and that my blood pressure was on the low side. He said that there was also fluid around my lungs. He said he was going to do a test where he was going to put a needle through my chest wall and into the pericardial sac, he did this test this evening and lets just say I would want to get that done again it hurt quite a bit. I also have a strep throat which I was a bit shocked by, i didn't think my throat was as bad as that.
I was given something for the pain which seemed to numb it a bit, but it has started to gradually get worse again. I am on oxygen to help with my breathing, which it has done thankfully.

John came in about 10 mins after I arrived in hospital to see what was happening, he gave me a bit of a lecture about not looking after myself and not telling him how bad things were getting, after the lecture he had to go back to work but was back as soon as his shift had finished. He was in a better mood by then and wasn't annoyed with me anymore. He stayed until I was admitted to the ward and then went home to get some well deserved sleep. I did apologise to him for causeing him all this stress, he was so understanding but has made me promise that if I ever feel in the slightest way unwell I have to tell him.

Ok I have to go now, it's late and i'm getting something for pain now in a few minutes so hopefully it'll make me sleepy again and i'll actually be able to get a bit of sleep tonight.
I am very sorry for not listening to you guys sooner, if I had done I don't think i'd be like this now. John told me to tell you all that he is very greatfull to you all for finally talking some sense into me.

Good night
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 02, 2009, 02:28:16 AM: Cynthia,
I'm sorry you're feeling so awful again and having to have all those painful tests, but I'm so relieved you finally went back to the hospital. I was worried about some kind of heart problem as soon as you mentioned the neck and shoulder pain, because that's a classic symptom. That pericarditis is a nasty business. My hubby had it a few years ago and every breath he took hurt. I hope they're able to clear it up for you soon.
Sleep well, sweetie. I know you're not happy right now, but your friends will all be here to help get you through again.
Hugs, Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on February 02, 2009, 04:58:52 AM: I am so relieved to know you are back at the hospital where you can get the medical attention you need.I know it sucks to be there, but its the best place for you. Just take it easy, and Im sure you will be back on the mend soon.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 02, 2009, 03:50:55 PM: Cynthia,

Glad you finally got back to the hospital. Fluid around the heart is a dangerous thing. They should be able to get it cleared up for you. Sorry you had to go though the pin cushion routine. They are likely running a bunch of blood tests for bunches of things. A CBC is a complete blood count. They count a lot of different levels of things in the blood with that one and it's quite standard. Take care get the rest you need.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 03, 2009, 12:14:17 AM: Hi,

Just thought i'd let you all know whats been going on today.

Cynthia was moved to CCU late last night. She isn't allowed to use her laptop in there so you'll have to put up with me for a while until she gets out of there.
I got a call late last night to come in and try to calm her down, she totally freaked out when they moved her. Her grandfather passed away in CCU last year and for some reason she thinks the same thing is going to happen to her. I have tried to tell her that nothing is going to happen to her that they just moved her in here to keep an eye on her heart and to make sure that everything is working the way it should be. She always had a good out look on life and nothing seemed to faze her but now she is so afraid that something is going to happen to her, I don't know what's going on with her. I don't know what to do to help her or make her feel at ease. I've never seen her like this before.
Maybe it is my fault I was a bit annoyed with her yesterday for not telling me she was feeling so unwell, I got over it very quickly I was just relieved that she was getting the medical attention that she needed. I did tell her that I wasn't annoyed with her anymore but she has been so quiet, like a different person nearly. She hasn't said much today she just asked me to check her e-mails to see if there was any gossip she was missing out on. Usually I can't get a word in with her.
I'm not working tonight or tomorrow and then i'm back on days so hopefully I can find out what is bothering her before I go back to work.

I hope you are all well.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on February 03, 2009, 07:37:02 AM: john it's not putting up with you............we all like talking to you as well although we wish for different circumstances to do so!

I think part of what is bothering Cynthia is that she can't see an end to all this crap and that's where you and her doctors need to be telling her that it will et better, that her health will improve. I am no expert but i am guessing that much of this is still linked to the pneumonia and clearing that up completely?

SEnd her my love............i have been e-mailing rather than posting on here but i will be thinking and praying, for her physical and emotional wellbeing!!

Lots love Lisa x x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 03, 2009, 02:21:29 PM: Hi John,

It's good to hear from you. I sure don't mind you posting, of course would rather hear from Cynthia, but considering. I think I understand how she feels. I get freaked everytime I have to stay in the hospital as I've had some close relatives die there, so somewhere in the irrational part of my brain it says that you go to the hospital to die. I KNOW that's not true, but you can't always do much about how you feel. Last Feb. my husband was put in ICU for pnemonia. Unfortunately he was put in the exact room where my father passed away many years ago. I had a very difficult time with that. I'm sure a part of it is as Lisa said, she is really tired of the whole thing. Can't say I blame her. It's a lot to deal with. It is really nice that you are taking such good care of her.

Let her know I'm thinking about her (and you too).

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 04, 2009, 12:36:41 AM: Hi,

Lisa, Milly - I told Cynthia you were asking after her and she says to say hello.

Cynthia is still feeling pretty crap. She has quite a bit of pain in her neck and shoulder. She says it hurts when she breaths and when she coughs. If she takes a fit of coughing the pain increases and tends to linger there a lot longer. When I was in with her tonight they gave her a pain killer to help with the pain. I think it was called cyclamorph(i'm not good with the medical names). She did get some relief with it but she got a little short of breath after she took it. I mentioned it to the nurses just in case it was a side effect or there was something else going on.

I think ye are right about what is bothering Cynthia, she is just so fed up with being sick she doesn't really know what is going on at the minute. She is really down, she just keeps asking why this is happening to her or what did she do to deserve this. I've told her it's nothing that she's done it just rotten luck. She isn't allowed any visitors, the only people allowed in to see her are her parents and myself. Whe we go into her room we have to put on the scrubs like you see them wearing in the TV. She said you'd swear she was a hazard to our healths the way we have to gown up, I told her it was to protect her from us not the other way round. I was going to bring her in flowers to brighten up the room a bit and I thought it might make her feel a bit better, but I was told she wasn't allowed them in the room, so I have them at home. They'll probably be dead by the time she gets out.

Sorry I haven't got any good news for you today, but things just seem to be the same as they were yesterday. She seemed comfortable when I left her tonight(well as comfortable as you can be with all that going on). I hope she gets a good sleep tonight, she will probably feel a lot better after she has a good sleep.
Thank you for your good wishes, I really appreciate them. I will post tomorrow but it will probably be late because i'm on the 6am-2pm shift at work and then will be going to the hospital to see her.
I'm only after realising what time it is, I have to get up for work in 4.5 hrs, so I think i'll call it a night.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 04, 2009, 02:03:10 PM: Hi John,

She has been through it eh? You as well. I sometimes think it's harder being the one looking over the bed rail. Does she have a favorite throw or blanket and would they let you bring it up? If she can't have flowers, maybe something from home will help. Can you take a digital pic of the flowers to show her? You do get tired of being sick, so I can understand her frusteration. Don't forget to get the rest you need as weill. I hope she had a good night.

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 05, 2009, 12:05:17 AM: Hi,

Milly- You're right Cynthia has definitly been through a lot these last couple of months. I don't feel like i've been through half as much as her. It's easy for me to sit there and be there for her, but she is the one who keeps having to fight off one thing after another. I'm not allowed to bring anything from home into her, they want to reduce the risk of her catching any more infections. You'd swear I don't clean the house but I do know they don't mean it like that they are just trying to help her as much as possible.

They did more tests today and came back this evening to tell us her white blood count is a bit on the high side. I think they said it was somewhere between 45000-50000. I'm not sure what normal is so I don't know how much higher than normal that actually is. They said that this indicates that there is an infection going on(well we knew that anyway), they said that they are going to run more tests again in the morning and that they are going to give her a full body CT scan(didn't know there was such a thing). I don't know what a scan is ment to do for her but if it finds out why she keeps getting sick it will be a worth while test.

Cynthia is still much the same today. I'm begining to wonder if all them tablets and injections they are giving her are actually doing any good. The only good thing is that the pain killer they are giving her makes her very drowsy, so at least she is getting plenty of sleep now. She has had a high temperature most of today so they have fans going in the room to try and keep her cool, she keeps asking me to turn them off because she is shivering but it's for her own good so i'm wouldn't switch them off. She says i'm trying to torture her(well at least she still has a bit of her sense of humour left).

I will post tomorrow and let ye know what the results of her tests are. Hopefully we will get the results quick enough.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on February 05, 2009, 07:37:57 AM: John i sent you a PM............normal count is around 30000.

Speak later.

Lisa x x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 05, 2009, 05:10:06 PM: Hi,

Cynthia had her CT scan about half an hour ago. They did all the blood tests again today and said they will give us the results of both the scan and the blood tomorrow.
Cynthia is having no problem sleeping she is that drugged up it seems to be all she can do, but last night she did try to escape. I met one of the night nurses in the carpark this morning when I was in my way in and she told me that cynthia had a high temperature last night and was raving a bit as a result of it. The nurse left her for 5 mins to go and get something and when she came back Cynthia was gone. She didn't get very far she was found sitting on the floor outside the lift(well I suppose she got far enough). They got her back into bed and when the temp came down she stopped trying to escape. I was asking her where she thought she was going to go and she says she never left her bed all night, she thinks i'm going mad.
Her pain seems to be a bit better today, not sure if it's all the pain killers numbing it or if things are just starting to get better.

I think it'll be a sleepless night tonight wondering what these results are going to bring. I'll post again later with any updates.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 05, 2009, 06:01:19 PM: Hey John,

Prision break eh? We all know she really wants to go home, but really! I would imagine it's a long walk or would she have called a cab? All kidding aside, a very high fever can make you imagine all kinds of things. I had a major infection with a big fever, I could not tell if I was awake, asleep, alive or dead. It was quite surreal. I'm sure the pain meds don't help that either. At least is seems like she is sleeping. I hope the tests come back in a positive way. The CT scan lets them check things out more easily than a x-ray and some things don't x-ray well. They are probably thinking the scans may show them where the problems are. I just hope they get the fever down and the infection cleared up so she does not have to try to sneak home.

Do try to get some sleep, though I would be awake most of the night myself if I were you.

Take care.
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 06, 2009, 12:58:29 AM: Hi,

Milly - Thanks for your post. I'm thinking positive thoughts for tomorrow, so hopefully the tests will come back in a positive way. I will try to get some sleep later but i'm not holding out much hope of getting much sleep tonight.

I think I told you all already she had her CT scan today and had more bloods done. They did another test this evening where they put a camera down her throat and took some sort of a sample. Not sure what this is for, thankfully I wasn't in there when they did that or they'd be picking me up off the floor. I'm not much good with things like that. Cynthia on the other hand would be asking if she could help, I don't know how she can look at things like that(YUK).

I had a PM earlier from one of the girls who has been keeping me thinking positive just like you guys have, she said one important thing is getting Cynthia to admit when she is actually sick. Easier said than done as you can all imagine. I don't think i'll ever get her to admit when she's not well, after she was admited this time I made her promise me that if she even has a headache she has to tell me, but I won't hold my breath on her keeping that promise. On the other hand she might surprise me and actually keep her word, this whole thing may have given her the wake up call that she needed. At least now she will know that she is not invincible, things do go wrong and if not looked after can turn very bad very quick. She can be very stubborn and head strong regarding things to do with her health and sometimes you'd feel like shaking a bit of sense into her(well shaking may be a bit extreme).
I think when she comes through this we need to have a good chat about her acknowledging when it is time to ask for help. I still can't get over how long she left it without getting help. Ok maybe if I had been more alert to the signs of her being unwell then maybe things would not have been let get this far, but there is nothing I can do about that now.

I'm rambling on a bit now(must be lack of sleep). If I have repeated myself from the last post I left, my apologies. My head doesn't know what my backside is doing at the minute(thought it would be politer to say backside). Ok really have to go now a nurse just popped in to the relatives room. Rip Van Winkle is awake and she's looking for me(she'd kill me for calling her that).

Will post tomorrow.
Take Care,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 06, 2009, 01:06:14 AM: John...I just wanted to let you know that i will be thinking about and praying for you over the next couple of days. I hope things go well from now on....you've both hit a rough patch!

Sue the Canuck
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 07, 2009, 12:14:04 AM: Hi,

Sue, thanks for the well wishes.

We got the test results today and thankfully the news wasn't what I had myself convinced it was going to be. Cynthia has bacteremic pneumonia due to a staph infection(sorry if the spelling is wrong, big words are not my strong point hence I shortened staph). They have started her on a drug called vancomycin, they are hoping this will knock the infection on it's head. Although I was relieved it was not what I thought it was, they tell me it is still a very serious infection.
We had a little bit of good news, the fluid around her heart that she initally came in with is nearly gone, so that's one battle over and the pain she was getting from that is gone. They have her in an isolation room beside the CCU ward, she has wires coming out of everywhere attached to machines and is on oxygen to help the breathing. They were talking about the ventilator again, but haven't come back saying they were going to put her on it. I'm presuming this would be just so that the lungs get a chance to recover. Cynthia has said to me over her dead body they were going to put her on that machine again, I just nodded and agreed so not to get her upset. But if the decision has to be made then she is going to lose her arguement her parents and myself will do whatever needs to be done and if that means going against her wish so be it. I hope I don't sound horrible for thinking that but it's for her own good. She sleeps most of the day and when she does wake it's just for about 10mins so this is when i'm given my orders(as sick an all as ye women can be ye still give orders ::)).

So that's all I have to report at the minute, I will post again with any updates.
I hope ye are all well.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 07, 2009, 01:45:47 AM: Hey John,

Well they have found what is causing the infection, so they have a plan to fight it. That helps. I don't think it's at all horrible to agree to the vent if it is needed. I told the nurses to trank my husband if he got too fiesty and would not rest. The sedation also helped keep his blood pressure down, so I thought it was a good thing to keep him safe and comfortable. All the rest should be good for her. I hope she is up and around soon. And yep we do love to give orders alright, sick or whatever. ;) Don't forget to take care of you too.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 07, 2009, 02:08:31 AM: Hi John,
I know it's not great that she has a staph infection, but what a relief that it's not something worse. As always, I'll keep Cynthia in my prayers. Good for you being willing to stand up to her and insist on the ventilator if the doctors say she needs it. She might be upset at first, but she'll get over it and hopefully be grateful to you for looking out for her best interests. Now, young man, your orders are to get some nourishment and a good night's sleep, you hear? ;)
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on February 07, 2009, 05:05:16 AM: John....You and Cynthia are both in my prayers, as always. I am so glad that they know what the problem is and it is treatable. Just make sure you take care of yourself.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 07, 2009, 11:55:48 PM: Milly, Terre, Donna - Thanks for your posts.

Cynthia is still no better today much to my disappointment. She had a very high fever all day so the nurses had fans in the room to try and cool her down( I told them bring her outsidde she wouldn't be long cooling down then), it didn't seem to do much good as you could see the beads of sweat rolling down her face. She has been out of it all day, I think she has woken once and even then she just opened her eyes and muttered she felt like S*** and went back to sleep. Later on in the afternoon I was in the relatives room replying to an e-mail one of her friends had sent to see how she was, I heard a load of commation coming from her room so obviously I just sent whatever I had wriiten on the mail and ran into her. She had some sort of a fit, her whole body was stiff and she was shaking like mad. I put it down to the high fever, but the doctors said they were sending her for a brain scan when they had her stable. They were deciding wheter or not to put her on the ventilator also. They said it might be better because when she took the fit her breathing got very bad, and at least if she was on the machine and took another fit the machine would do the breathing for her and her body wouldn't have to fight so hard to keep her breathing.
They were all set to ring her down for her scan at 8.30 and then they got a call to say that the machine had just broke down so it could be late tonight or early tomorrow before they can do the scan. You'd think they'd have a back up for when things like this happen.
Thankfully she hasn't had another fit and they haven't put her on the machine yet. They have her on the oxygen mask for now.

So tonight her fever has come down slightly and she seems comfortable enough, so i'm hoping she has a good night and that the fit was just a minor set back and that tomorrow will bring a better day. The doctors are hopeful that the high dose of antibiotics she is on at the minute, that she will start to show some improvement. To be honest with ye I was really worried today when all this happened, I was thinking that she has been through so much over the last couple of months and it has taken so much out of her and made her so weak that she wouldn't have the energy to fight this infection off.
Sorry Terre, I didn't follow your orders today, the sleep and nourishment haven't been top of my priorty list. But all going well tonight I will relax a bit and will follow your orders. I'm going to get some nourishment now, it might be just a takeaway but at least it's food and then i'll be off to bed for a few hours.

Will post tomorrow, hopefully with better news.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 08, 2009, 01:41:08 AM: Hi,

I left Cynthia at about 9pm, they said they were not going to be doing anything else with her tonight because of the scanner being out of order. They promised they would ring me if anything changed, so I felt it was ok to leave to get something to eat and get some sleep.
I was just tucking into my lovely burger when I got a call from the hospital to come back.

Cynthia had developed a rash which looked like bad sunburn in the couple of hours I was away and her neck looked very swollen. The nurse said she woke for a brief minute gasping for air and was complaining of a very sore throat and a severe headache, her temperature was at 104 which is very high., then she just passed out again. They decided it was time to take over her breathing so she’s hooked up to the ventilator now. The scan machine was working again so they brought her down for another scan after they had everything stable. They did her brain and decided to do her lungs again.

The results showed that an abscess has formed on her lung, so they said they would have to drain it in case it bursts, if it was to burst it would spread to other parts of the lung. They said they would prefer to wait a bit before draining the abscess to get her immune system a little stronger, but there was a high risk it could burst so the risks were out weighing the benefits of waiting.I kind of went a bit mad when they brought up the hospital chaplin, I felt this was like admitting that this was the end, her dad said they called him just so he could say a prayer to watch over her while she's in theatre and they were not by any means admitting this was the end. They have just taken her down to the theatre, I’m not sure how they are going to drain the abscess, if they have to open her up through the chest or if they are able to do it another way. I’m sure they did tell me but I was that upset it went right over my head. Her mum and dad signed the consent form, I have to admit I was to upset even to see what was written on the piece of paper. All I kept saying was when I left her she seemed better how could things have gone so wrong in such a short space of time. I’m so glad they are here to keep me from falling apart completly(if you know what I mean). Obviously none of us are going to leave tonight, and will feel a whole lot better when the doctors come out and tell us everything went well.

They did tell us she is in for a long stay in hospital and will be on strong doses of IV antibiotics for a while. I will let ye know how everything goes. You probably think I’m mad typing all this when she is down in theatre, but if I was just sitting here doing nothing my mind would be working overtime, so I thought I would let you know what was happening at least it would keep me occupied.

Will update sometime tomorrow.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 08, 2009, 04:10:21 AM: John,
thanks for the update. More prayers are heading your way.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on February 08, 2009, 05:46:39 AM: Lots of prayers are being said for her, John. Be strong.

Hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 08, 2009, 07:25:47 AM: Just letting ye know she's just back from theatre.
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 08, 2009, 11:46:10 PM: Hi,

Sorry about not posting earlier, it has been a hetic 24hrs here.

It seemed like she was down in theatre for an eternity. I think it was 1am or there abouts when she went down and came back at 7am or there abouts. When they brought her down they started getting everything ready for the procdure which took a while, when they were just about to give her the anaesthetic she had antoher seizure. They had to stabilise her again before they could even think of starting. They had her on the ventilator and sedated, but even with the sedation they said she seemed very uncomfortable with the breathing tube down, She was trying to cough out the tube, she was coughing up blood so they had to get all that sorted out before they could start.They said they must not have given her enough sedation up on the ward and it was wearing off before they had a chance too give her the GA. Finally they were able to start at 3.30am, they had to insert 5 chest tubes to because not was not just inside her lungs but outside the lungs and just eating away at her chest. So the drains are in now hopefully doing what they are ment to be doing. She is heavily sedated(as they call it a drug induced coma)so she won't be waking up before they think she is ready to. They have her on intravenous vancomycin.

I was saying to her parents earlier is it any wonder she was so uncomfortable when she was on this antibiotic and awake, maybe it is just me but I can actually feel the drugs running through her veins and it's like a fire running through her. I'm glad she is sedated while getting this drug at least she won't be able to feel any pain from it.

The doctors and nurses are fantastic, they are giving her excellent care. However i'm still wondering how she caught this infection, and nobody has come to us yet to tell us how she contracted it.

Anyway i'm feeling a little more at ease tonight, knowing that the drains are in to make sure there isn't another build pus(sorry but I couldn't think of another word for it) and that they are treating the infection aggressively to stop it in it's tracks.

Thank you all for your prayers and continued support.
Take Care,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 09, 2009, 04:01:20 PM: Oh John,

Definately in my prayers, both of you. Hopefully the drains and antibotics can clear this up. I don't think it was crazy for posting during her surgery, I would have had to do something if it were me. The sedation should help keep her body relaxed and the vent should help her breathing, so the rest of her energy can go into getting better. This is one of those times you wish you had the magic wand to make it all better. Take care and don't forget to take care of you too. We have nutrition shakes here call Ensure that are used as meal replacement for folks who have a hard time eating. You can usually get them at the pharmacy. Might be an idea for you if you to get some kind of food in.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 10, 2009, 01:14:06 AM: Hi,

I went home earlier to freshen up and get something to eat, I sat down on the sofa with the intention of posting but must have fallen asleep before I even opened the laptop. I was that out of it I didn't even hear the phone ringing, Cynthia's mother was ringing and when she couldn't get an answer she started to worry that something had happened to me. She rang one of the lads in the station where I work to see if they would call around to see if I was ok. They called and nearly put the door in they were knocking on it that hard, so I wasn't long waking up then.

Cynthia had a stable night last night by that I mean no more drama's(thank god my nerves couldn't take much more) So i'm hoping for the same kind of night tonight. Her temp has come down slightly today, the nurse said it is still on the dangerous side of high but it's encouraging that it's coming down ever so slightly and not going up. Hopefully this is a sign that the antibiotics are starting to take a grip of this infection. I'm not sure how long it will take for these antibiotics to get rid of the infection, I don't remember asking, but don't want to ask again in case I have already. They'll think i'm losing my memory.

Milly - Don't worry I'll take care of myself aswell. I have heard of those Ensure shakes, they are sold in some of the pharmacies in town. I'm not to keen on stuff like that but I will get some form of food in, the type that is easy to cook and not easily burnt(if there is such a food).
You are right about this being one of those times I wish I had a magic wand, if I could take all the pain and suffering Cynthia has been through over the last few months I'd do anything. It doesn't seem fair that she has had to go through so much, it's not normal for an otherwise healthy 26yr old to have to be fighting for their life twice in about 4months.

I'm going to get these scrubs on again and go back into her room so i'll finish here. I'll post with any changes or updates.
Goodnight,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 10, 2009, 03:20:00 PM: Hi John,

Well some good news aleast. Sometimes no change or not much change can be good too. I don't like the Ensure stuff either, but it's better than nothing. I think you can make cold cereal, I've never burned that. :D Check the milk before you pour though. I've ruined a few bowls that way, YUCK.

Just wondering if the guys knocked down the door, who would pay to put it back up?

It does not seem fair at all, she should not be in the hospital, she should be home enjoying life. This should all work out, it just seems to take so long doesn't it?

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 10, 2009, 11:49:43 PM: Hi,

Thanks for the post Milly.

I think cereal is one thing that I couldn't possibily get wrong, good tip on the milk I would have just poured it in and yes it would have tasted YUCK.
If the guys had knocked down the door lastnight, knowing the lads they would have got the money out of the Superintendent(Big Boss). They'd give him a sob story and he'd fall for it, he's a big softie at heart. Looks mean and menacing complete opposite inside.

Cynthia is still the same today absolutly no change, so I have nothing new to report. I'd love to know how long it takes these antibiotics to work so we can actually see them working. I'm nearly sure they told me she'd be on them for 6wks, but that sounds like an awful long time, I must have picked the doc up wrong.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 11, 2009, 02:06:16 AM: Sorry John, but I don't think you heard the doc wrong. They're going to want to make sure they get every last one of those little buggers, and it can take a very long time. I doubt she'll need to be on the ventilator that long though and you should start to see some improvement soon. Hang in there.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 11, 2009, 03:07:25 AM: Hi John,

I think Terre's right and you did not hear wrong. I definately think she would be off the vent before then. It can take some time with some of these infections. Hopefully she will start feeling more like herself soon. Once she tries to make a break for home, you'll know she's getting better. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 11, 2009, 01:13:18 PM: John....you have been through so much. I will continue to pray for you and Cynthia. It may be a long road but you'll both get there. Know that others care about you and will continue to support you...

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 11, 2009, 11:59:03 PM: Hi everyone,

Still not much change today with her condition. The drains are still draining stuff off her chest, I thought everything would have been cleared by now. I'm not sure how long they are going to have her sedated or leave the drains in. Her mother thinks they will leave the drains until the antibiotics start clearing the infection and there is nothing more draining out of her lungs. I suppose it's anyones guess how long that will take.

I was sent home from the hospital this evening because I got a bit weak. The nurses said they don't want to see me back in there until at least lunch time tomorrow and to go home and have a good nights sleep and get some proper food into my stomach. I don't know how i'm going to stay away until lunchtime i'll be wanting to go back first thing in the morning. I know I should have been looking after myself a bit better, but I didn't feel that hungry so I was just wasn't eating big amounts.

Anyway I'll do as i'm told, so i'm off to bed now. Hopefully there will be some change soon so I can post a bit of good news.

Goodnight,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 13, 2009, 12:02:30 AM: Hi,

I did as I was told and didn't go near the hospital until lunchtime, the nurses told me that Cynthia had a comfortable night but that her temperature went up a bit during the night. They told me that there is no point in me wearing myself out by staying here day and night and that it would be best for me to go home at night to get a proper rest. They said they understand that i'm worried about leaving her at night, but have assured me that if anything happens they will phone me straight away. I suppose I have to do as they are telling me, they are only saying it for my own good.
I asked was it normal for her nose to bleed and they just told me not to worry. So I didn't get a straight answer, but then again what's new doctors are good at that.

Cynthia's fever has come down a bit this evening and she hasn't had another nose bleed. I might sound really stupid in saying this, but I didn't think that if someone was in bed for as long as Cynthia has and sedated, that it would be possible for them to get nose bleeds. I really do think to much sometimes and end up worrying myself for no reason, so maybe the docs were right in saying that it was nothing to worry about.

Goodnight,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 13, 2009, 01:28:17 PM: Hi John,

Good idea to go home and get some rest. They really will call if it is necessary. If you run yourself ragged, you can't help Cynthia. Not that you don't feel as though you should be there 24/7. I know how guitly I felt not being at the hospital with my husband, but I had to take care of the kids and work too. He has not worked for a while due to health issues.

I'm not sure about the nose bleeds, but does she have oxygen tubes to her nose? That may be one possible cause. Pure oxygen dries everything out. My Aunt has oxygen with her all the time, and a bleeding disorder so she keeps the nose spayed frequently with saline spray. Just a thougth. They may also have her on blood thinners to help prevent clots in the lungs, they could also be a cause (I think). Not really a medical professional, just trying to come up with possibilities.)

I will keep praying for you both. Don't forget to eat well and get some sleep. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 16, 2009, 04:33:01 PM: Hey John,
just checking in. It's been a couple of days. Hope everything is OK with Cynthia and you're getting some rest. Still keeping you both in my thoughts and prayers.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 16, 2009, 04:57:30 PM: Sending you healing wishes....Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 16, 2009, 05:38:56 PM: John and Cynthia,

Hope no news is good news. Think about you and sending prayers and good wishes your way.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 17, 2009, 12:40:52 AM: Hi Everyone,

Sorry about the lack of communication lately.

Things haven't gone to well since friday so I wasn't really in the humour to be online. Cynthia's temperature went up again on Thursday night and stayed up most of the day on friday but went down a slight bit in the evening, she also had a nose bleed during Thursday night.
The doctors told late Friday night that they were taking Cynthia for some sort of a scan on her heart that all didn't seem to well in that department. They told me to wait around until they came back with her so they could let me know what was going on(as if I was going anywhere). While she was getting whatever it was they were doing done, I phoned her parents to let them know what was going on and decided to come in.
When the doctor came back and had Cynthia stable he called us into the relatives room. He said that the infection seemed to have filled her heart with large clumps of bacteria which had infected the inner lining of her heart and destroyed one of the vavles. The bacteria was spreading through her body putting her at high risk for a stroke(I thought strokes came from clots), organ failure and putting her life at risk. Her heart was pumping blood backwards. The staff were working to save her life trying to stop her heart from failing with the infection.
The doc said that she wasn't stable enough to be moved to a different hospital which specialises in heart surgery, so the doc heart surgeon had offered to come to her. He was in a helicopter on his way as we were talking to the doc. When the Doc had finished telling us everything we told him to do whatever he thought needed to be done to save her.
5mins after the doc had left us he was back in with the heart surgeon(he was quick only 30mins by air). He explained to us that surgery was the only option left. While the nurses were getting Cynthia ready for surgery the surgeon told us all the risks and the usual stuff. He told us there was a 90% chance of her having a stroke and 40% chance of her surviving. The surgery took 8hrs, it was the longest 8hrs of our lives. When the op was finished the surgeon came out and told us that replacing the valve was tricky due to the damage to her heart from the infection. They had to remove dead tissue and infected tissue around the heart and he placed stitches to secure the new valve and was pleased with the way her heart was looking now.
He told us she was very weak and wasn't sure if she would be strong enough to make it through, but she's still here so I reckon she's going to prove him wrong.

She is on a load of different drugs to many to name them all and I think she's on a couple of very strong antibiotics. What I can't understand is how it got into her heart if she was on the antibiotic for her lungs or was it in her heart all along and they just never though of checking there. I can't believe all the time i'd been spending up here by her side and I never noticed her getting sicker, not very observant am I. She can even hide it from me when .
she's sedated.

Tonight Cynthia is doing well there seems to be no problem with her heart and her temperature has come down to an acceptable level all be it still high but it's no where near as high as it was. She seems to have colour back in her face, and the doc thinks all the drugs she is on currently are starting to fight the infection. He said she has a long recovery ahead of her but judging by how she has come through the last couple of days, he thinks she will make a good recovery. He has taken back what he said about the 40% chance of survival, his words were "There's no doubt she's a fighter and I don't think she's ready to go just yet".

It was a great relief to hear him say that. I know she has a hard recovery ahead of her, but we'll get her through it.
I hope ye are all well,

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 17, 2009, 12:53:44 AM: John....thank you for the update. You don't know most of us here but I just want you to know that there are many prayers being sent for you, Cynthia and your families. The doctor is right in saying that she's a fighter and that she's not ready to give up yet. That is obvious. Just know that you have a lot of support here so be encouraged. We care....

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 17, 2009, 02:53:34 AM: John,
Sue is absolutely right. We're all here with you and we'll do our best to help you get through this. Cynthia has fought her way through everything that's gone wrong so far, and I have no doubt she'll do it again. She is one incredible lady. Please take care of yourself and lean on us whenever you need to.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 17, 2009, 04:30:28 PM: Goodness John what a lot to go through for both of you. We are definately here for you. I think she has a good chance as she is such a fighter. Don't blame yourself for not seeing how sick she was. She's been pretty sick and it would be easy to miss some things. Take care of yourself too. Will keep the prayers going.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 17, 2009, 11:48:07 PM: Hi,

Thank you all for your kind supportive posts, they mean a lot and really do help.

Cynthia is showing steady progress. The chest drains she has in seem to have drained all the pus from her lungs, so if nothing drains off tonight they will probably remove them tomorrow(some good news at long last). They took more blood tests today and the results showed that the antibiotics are starting to kill off some of the infection. It might be slow but at least they are starting to work.
The doc was in and he was happy with the handy work he did to her heart, he is hopefull of no more problems in this department. He is staying in town for another week before going back to his own hospital, so he said he will check in on her daily. When she gets home she will have to have regular check ups for a while to make sure everything is functioning the way it should.

I go home for a few hours everyday to have a rest and get something to eat, while her parents sit with her. I don't stay with her all night, but I do stay for as long as possible(until the nurses tell me it's time to go). Cynthia's parents and the nurses have told me it's not going to do me any good staying in the hospital all night and that it would be better for me to go home and get a proper sleep at night. I suppose they are right. On a plus side i'm getting some very good home cooked meals at the minute. Cynthia's sister, husband and nephew are staying in our house while they in town, so every evening when I go home for a while there is something tasty waiting for me(i'm getting a bit spoilt). It's great to have someone in the house with me, at least when I come home at night i'm not coming home to an empty house and have someone to talk to, i'm not sitting worrying about what's going on in the hospital(not that i'm not worried, but i'm sure you know what I mean). Cynthia's nephew doesn't give you time to sit and think, he's 2yrs old and a very busy little boy and very curious always asking questions.

I'm going to stop here because i'm starting to ramble on a bit. Hopefully there will be even more progress tomorrrow. I will keep ye updated.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: dimples3887 on February 18, 2009, 06:59:32 PM: John,

I know I haven't posted much on your's and Cynthia's thread but I do want you to know that I am praying for her. I just got completely updated on her story, as the last time I was on she was home and battling a bit of asthma troubles but I see that isn't the case anymore. I am so sorry to hear how things have changed, but if she has made it through the things she has before, I have no doubt that she will come through this. I can't believe how much she has been through in such a short amount of time but do know that we are all here to support and help you in any way we can. Please keep updating us on how she is doing.

In my thoghts and prayers,

Kirsten
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 18, 2009, 11:25:13 PM: Hi,

kirsten thanks for the post. It's nice to know that so many people are thinking and praying for Cynthia and willing her to recover.

Cynthia has done well today. The chest drains were removed today and there has been no dramas since they were removed(thank god). They had wires in her since her heart op and they removed them today also. I think they called them pace wires. Her heart is doing well after the surgery and the doctors seem very pleased with it. Her lungs are still making steady progress, but the doctors say they won't take her off the ventilator yet, and won't give us a time frame of when they hope she will taken off it.

The antibiotics and all the other drugs are slowly killing this infection, it's taking them a long time to get rid of it. I thought it would be like an antibiotic for a normal infection and that after a few days of being on them the infection would be well under control. Her temperature is still coming down so with a bit of luck it will be back to normal soon.

Her nephew keeps asking when he can go in to see her, he can't understand why we all go into see her and he has to stay at home. We advised not to bring him in while she is this sick, but when she is a bit stronger and out of iscolation he can come in then.

A bit of good news today, the doc that told us Cynthia's chances of survival were 40% was in again today. He said he is amazed at how well Cynthia is recovering, he honestly didn't think she was going to pull through. Cynthia likes proving people wrong so she will be glad she has proven this doc wrong. He has said that she is by no means out of the woods yet, but that judging by the way she has come through the last couple of days he thinks she will make a good recovery. It might be a long slow one but who cares as long as she recovers.

Thanks again for all the support,
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 19, 2009, 02:28:08 AM: John,

Sounds like some positive things there. Even small improvements are great. Her poor nephew! Unfortunately children are the most infectious things around. I never got sick as often as I did when I was a substitute teacher. Do you all still have to gown up to see her? I am very glad she has come through the heart surgery so well. It is nice when a patient can prove the doc wrong. The hardest part for her will probably be the length of the recovery and the amount of "relaxing" she will be forced to endure. Definately not the kind of person who wants to sit around all day. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 19, 2009, 01:02:50 PM: Can you feel us all smiling? ;D ;D ;D ;D

I'm so happy for you and your families....Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on February 19, 2009, 06:53:54 PM: John....Just wanted you to know that I was just able to catch up on everything and continue to keep you in my thoughts and prayers. Ive not been posting much, as I just spent 5 days in hospital following surgery, so am a bit out of it.But you are on my mind, and I have no doubts that Cynthia will fight this battle as well.Take care of yourself.

hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 19, 2009, 11:41:46 PM: Hi,

Sue we are definitly starting to let the smiles show a bit now, not to much though i'm afraid to tempt faith.
Donna I hope your surgery went well and that you are ok.

There was no change in Cynthia's condition today, so unfortunatly I have no more good news to report today, well I suppose it is good news in a way that nothing has gone wrong. Her body has fought so hard and recovered so well over the last couple of days, i'd say it's just taking a well deserved break before starting round 2 of the battle. I know Cynthia is such a strong determined person that she will fight this every step of the way and prove the people who thought she wasn't strong enough to make it wrong.

Cynthia's sister and brother in law went see her so I brought her nephew to the park to play football. I never thought running around after a 2yr old would be such hard work, he has me worn out. So i'm off to bed shortly because I don't doubt the minute at around 6 or 7am i'll be woken by the little monster jumping on my bed. I really don't know where he gets his energy from.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 20, 2009, 02:03:53 AM: Hi John,

I always wanted to try and bottle that energy and make a fortune. Nothing more cheerful at 6 or 7 am than an happy face. Even if you are not ready. Sounds like he had fun though.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: dimples3887 on February 20, 2009, 02:48:55 AM: John,

I'm glad to hear that everything went well over the last two days. I know that no change seems like you're just staying still rather than running to the end of this battle, but every day that she seems to stay the same, inside of her little body, the infection is being chased out. She is such a strong woman and we all know that she is going to pull through.

Getting to play football with your nephew was probably a nice breath of fresh air (granted you weren't gasping by the time you were done ;) ). It's great to see how much support you are getting in person, as well as on here.

Hopefully tomorrow will bring more great news.

In my prayers,

Kirsten
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 21, 2009, 12:00:00 AM: Hi,

Milly and Kirsten thanks for the posts.

Cynthia has been stable and comfortable all day, not much change in her condition. I know what you are saying Kirsten about inside her bosy fighting the infection, although we aren't seeing any changes on the outside i'm sure they are happening on the inside. I was going to ask the doctors when they thought they would be cutting back on the sedation and let her wake up, but I don't want them to think i'm pushing them into doing it. I'm sure when they feel the time is right they will do it.

Playing football with the little guy was great, for a few minutes I kind of forgot all about everything that has been going on(felt guilty after that). Thankfully I wasn't gasping for air. He arrived in to my room this morning at 6.30am and was like tigger jumping on the bed until I got up. He so full of energy. Milly I think your right about bottling their energy, you'd make a fortune. He was like a little tornado flying around the house tonight before he went to bed. He made an attempt at making a get well card and drew her a picture, she'll be delighted when she wakes up and see them.

Will post tomorrow or earlier if any there is any news,
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 21, 2009, 12:33:33 PM: John...it's so wonderful for you to be giving good news. She is stable and quiet and in repair mode. Prayer is being answered. What more could you ask for...right now patience is the word and it's a tough one!!
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 22, 2009, 01:06:52 AM: Hi,

Sue I liked the way you said that "in repair mode". Cynthia seems to be just like you described stable, quiet and in repair mode. The doctor said she has a long recovery proccess ahead of her. We have to be patient now and let nature do it's work. He did say when Cynthia wakes up that she will also have to be patient and not to rush things. If I know Cynthia and i'm sure a lot of you on this board know patience is one thing Cynthia seriously lacks when it comes to having to be patient for her own health. Sue you could have been the doctor you said nearly the same as him about the patience also.

Right now we are all happy she is stable and that she hasn't had any more set backs. All we can do is wait, but defintily all the prayers that have been sent this way are being answered.

I think it's time for bed because this nephew of hers seems to think it's great fun to wake me up between 6 and 7am everyday. I will post with any updates.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 23, 2009, 12:01:57 AM: Hi,

Cynthia still continues to be stable and comfortable. Her temperature has come down a little more today, so this is a sure sign that the antibiotics are still doing there work.
The doctor was in today and he said they are going to run some tests in the morningt to make sure everything is healing the way it should be and to make sure her lungs are recovering and that there isn't any build up of infection on them again. He said he doubts that there is considering the way she is at the minute.

I'm hoping that if her lungs show good improvement tomorrow that maybe they will cut back some of the sedation she is on and then she will be able to talk back to me again.

Thank you all for being so good to me over the last few weeks or should I say months, I really appreciate it. Your support has helped me come through the tough times and saved me from cracking up whe things got tough.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 23, 2009, 11:22:39 PM: Hi,

Cynthia had her tests done today. They doctor seemed relatively pleased with the results.

I asked him when they were going to bring her round from the sedation. He said they would like to keep her under sedation until at least the end of the week, but even then he wasn't guarenteeing that they would bring her round. So I guess i'll just have to wait and pray that she is strong enough by the weekend so they can bring her round and then I can tell her to please stop scaring the crap out of me.

I hope everyone is well.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 24, 2009, 12:18:07 AM: Hi John,

Glad you have some good news. Sorry I've been MIA for a few days. I have a terrible cold. Still feel like crud, but need to go back to work tomorrow. Just hope I stay awake at my desk.

From what I can tell from your posts Cynthia is slowly on the mend. It will take a long while for her to get better.

Well I'm nodding off as I type. Time to get some more cold medicine and head for bed.

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: dimples3887 on February 24, 2009, 02:48:22 AM: John,

I'm glad to hear that the tests went well. Hopefully she keeps proving those doctors wrong and the can bring her out of the sedation soon because I'm sure you're dying just to hear her voice at this point. It's still going to be a heck of a recovery but every time you worry about her not moving along fast enough (or more likely she is not moving along as fast as she'd like to), just remember how far each little step takes her from where she was at one point. She will pull through this and she will be strong again, just like she is being now.

I will continue to keep her in my prayers and thoughts and I really hope that you're catching a moment or two to eat and sleep a little.

Keep us updated.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 24, 2009, 11:31:42 PM: Hi,

Milly I hope you are feeling better soon, some colds can leave you feeling like crap. Make sure you drink plenty of fluids I don't know what it's ment to do for you but any time I ever had a cold Cynthia would always order me ;D to drink more fliuds.

Sue thank you for all the prayers they seem to be getting answered. Don't worry i'm looking after myself or should I say Cynthia's sister is looking after me. Cynthia's sister and her husband and there little boy are staying with me while they are here, so I have been spoiled really I haven't had to live on takeaways.

You are both right Cynthia has a long recovery ahead of her, but knowing her she won't be very patient then again she could surprise us all. When I came in to see her today I noticed that her skin was going back to it's normal colour, before it looked like a rash but that seems to be going. I have no doubt in my mind that she will make a full recovery but I know it's going to take a long before she is back to the Cynhtia I know and love.
Milly I hope you feel better soon.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on February 24, 2009, 11:41:04 PM: Hi John

I am glad that there is improvements albeit small ones.........but evry good step is one in the right direction and one to be thankful for!!

I am also very pleased that you continue to remember to look after you!!! You will have me to answer to if this doesn't continue....hee hee......i am told i can be scary!!! MMMMMMMMMMMMM not sure that i am really.

We all know that she will be impatient as recovery starts but she will be kept on the straight and narrow by us all i am sure.

Lots a love

Lisa x x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 25, 2009, 12:23:25 AM: Hello Again,

I forgot to tell you that the doctor was in today and he was very pleased that her rash was going. He also said he was thinking of cutting back her sedation tomorrow. I don't know does this mean he is going to bring her round or is he just cutting back on the drugs, i'm a bit confused ???. He said yesterday that it would be the end of the week before he would even think of bringing her around so i'm even more confused.
Anyway as confused an all as I am, this is good news.

Lisa good to hear from you. I'm sure you guys will keep Cynthia on the straight and narrow through her recovery. I don't think I want to see the scary side of you. The nice caring side will do me just fine, so i'll have to make sure i'm looking after myself.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on February 25, 2009, 02:49:57 AM: John....So good to hear things are looking up each day. Im so glad to hear that. And having her sister and family there is good therapy for you, especially that little guy. :) (even though his play hours could be better than 6 a.m. :P) You hang in there. I read everyday about Cynthias progress, just not up to par and havent been posting much.

Lots of hugs, and many prayers to you both,
DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 25, 2009, 03:46:21 AM: We're so happy to hear that progress is being made, even slowly. God is good!

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 25, 2009, 09:01:10 PM: Hey John,

Sounds like some good news for you. They may want to lighten the sedation and see, or maybe they are going to bring her round. The cold is just about gone, but the first few days I was just out. I think I slept more than the cat (that takes some doing you know). I made sure I got lots of fluids, water, juice, popcicles, 7up and lots of chicken soup. I can't look another bowl of soup in the eye right now, had enough. Had pizza last night, so definately feeling better. I think I may envy the early play time, we had fun with algebra last night. :P I actually like math, but it was the student that was giving me difficulty. Poor thing doesn't understand all this stuff and what am I going to use it for anyway...wah..wah..wah. Unfortunately the boy is just as hard headed as I am, so it makes for interesting shall we say conversation? Not to mention he's a teenager, with all that goes with it. So we get to finish the assignment tonight. YEAH!!

Glad someone is looking after you. Take out is a nice treat, but you really wouldn't want to live on it. Let us know if you hear anymore good news.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 26, 2009, 12:26:41 AM: Hi,

Thanks for the posts ladies.

Cynthia was taken off the sedation today, but she still hasn't woken up ???. The doctor hasn't indicated that there is anything wrong but i'm just wondering why she hasn't woken up. I was a bit upset because I thought it would be like when she had the pneumonia and they took her off the sedation she came round fairly quick. I have been taking to her and she hasn't given me any indication that she can even hear me, I was hoping she would squeez my hand or something to let me know that she can hear me.
Apart from that she is doing well her temperature is well down now and her blood tests are showing that the infection is well under control. All positive things I know but today is just playing on my mind a bit, something just doesn't seem right even though they seem happy with her. Maybe it's just me being paranoid and worrying unnecessarily.

Milly glad to hear the cold is better. I don't envy you trying to teach math to a teenager. Donna how is the knee coming on since your op? Sue the man upstairs has definitly been more than generous to Cynthia in the last few months.

Thanks again for all the well wishes. I will let you know if anything changes.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: dimples3887 on February 26, 2009, 02:40:32 AM: Hi John,

I thought I'd try to respond and give you a little bit of a settling feeling. Sedation, even when stopped, can take a long time to remove itself from the body. Any little bit of fat in the body holds on to those chemicals as a storage site and sometimes muscle and bone do as well. Even if they have stopped the sedation drugs, they can remain the body for a long period of time. Since she has been under the sedation for so long, it can take even longer.

Is she still on the breathing tube? If that is the case they may have just decreased the dose of the sedation drugs, rather than completely removed them.

I hope this helps give you a little bit of peace of mind.

Keeping you and Cynthia in my prayers,

Kirsten
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 26, 2009, 05:24:40 PM: Hi John,

Sounds like things are moving in a positive direction. Like Kirstin said, sedatives can stick with you a while. She has been under a while and was sedated prior with her pnemonia. It may take a bit for her to shake them off, plus she had a very recent surgery so the anesthesia may be playing a part too. So lots of sleepy, sleepy drugs still floating around in there.

Well the homework got done, noone died (or was killed lol). The cat was suprized when my boy plunked her in his chair and said "Here Muffinz you do it!". Needless to say she didn't. We got one of those great you have injured my dignity looks and she huffed off.

Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 26, 2009, 05:48:31 PM: Hi John

That is exactly why I prefer to be awake (except for the little cocktail they put together for you before surgery) when I have surgeries! It just stays too long in the system...

Should I talk about the patience word again???

Here's hoping that this note finds you well, happy and optimistic! ;D

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 26, 2009, 11:40:10 PM: Hi,

Kirsten, Milly and Sue thank you all for your assuring posts.

Cynthia still hasn't woken up today. When I was talking to her today i'm nearly sure she squeezed my hand, either that or I imagined it.The doctor did a few tests on her today, he tested her reflexes and shined lights in her eyes. He seemed happy enough with her responses. He told me he didn't stop all the sedation, he greatly reduced the amount she has been getting. He said he reduced it enough that she could be semi concious and wouldn't be in to much discomfort because the breathing tube is still in. He said she should start to come round a bit then. The only reason he didn't cut out the sedation completly was that he wanted to leave the tube in to see how her lungs were doing and hopefully when she starts to come round a bit she'll be fighting to get the tube out. When he takes the tube out then he'll take her off all the sedation. It's a pity he didn't tell me this yesterday then I wouldn't have been stressing out so much yesterday.

Sue feeling a bit more optimistic tonight and am well, I'm trying the whole being patient thing but it can be hard sometimes. Kirsten thanks for all the prayers they are definitly starting to get answered. Milly I hope the cat got over her strop.

TIme for bed now,
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on February 27, 2009, 09:51:11 PM: Hi John,

Glad the doc explained a bit more. Now it's the hardest part, watch and wait.

The kitty is all fine, she came and slept on my cheast about 4am the next morning.

Take care.
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 27, 2009, 11:15:23 PM: Hi,

I need a bit of advise. One of Cynthia's friends who has been sick for a long time passed away on Wednesday. I'm wondering if I should tell her or should I wait. I never told you this before but when Cynthia was in hospital before christams and was sedated she was pregnant. With all the drugs she was on and all that happened she lost the baby. When she came around I avoided telling her, I wanted her to get stronger before I told her. She did ask but I avoided answering and when I eventually told her she was devestated and it seem to put back her recovery. I'm afraid if I wait to tell her the same thing will happen again and neither her nor I want her to have any more set backs. Cynthia was posting on another thread on this board and I have been keeping the 2 laides that she was in contact with up to date, they have advised me not to say anything to her yet. I have to say my gut instinct is to go what they have said and say nothing but part of me is saying tell her. Any input would be appreciated.

Cynthia is doing well today. The doctor had her moving her toes and squeezing his hands today, it was weird to watch someone who is asleep doing all these thing. He is pleased with the way she is responding today. I have been talking to her all day and telling her about everything DJ has been getting up to. She responds to things that i'm saying by squeezing my hand, at least I know she can hear me now.

Milly glad to hear the kitty is fine now. You are right the hardest part is waiting. I was thinking of planing a few things for the wedding but I thought better of that idea, I reckon Cynthia would like to do most of the organising and would like her input if I was planning something.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on February 28, 2009, 01:16:26 AM: Hi John

You and Cynthia have become very important to so many here on the thread. Stay strong...good things are happening!!

I know you feel as though you should tell her about her friend right now, but what ask yourself if it will make any difference whether she knows now or not...it's not as though she could be there to mourn any time soon......my gut feeling is to wait until later....my 2 cents worth...

Wedding plans are so exciting for a bride; you're better to wait that one out too...and waiting is the hardest part!

Patience, grasshopper!

Sue :)
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on February 28, 2009, 03:27:58 AM: I'd have to agree with Sue, John. It won't do any good to tell her about her friend now. She may be a bit angry with you later, but she really needs to focus all her strength on healing. Grieving for a loved one takes its own toll on the body and she doesn't need that right now. So sorry to hear about the baby, BTW. That must have been hard on both of you.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on February 28, 2009, 05:39:24 PM: Hi Terre and Sue,

Sue the grasshopper is hopping patiently, i'm getting good at this whole patience thing.

Ladies your advise as always is taken on board and I think what you along with other people have been saying about waiting is true and would be the best thing to do. I went to the funeral yesterday Cynthia would have wanted me to go and I wanted to go because the parents of the the girl who passed away have been very good to me while Cynthia has been in hospital. With all the grief that they must have been feeling they still asked after Cynthia an had prayers said for her during mass. I thought this was a very nice thing for them to do.

It was very hard for us when Cynthia lost the baby, but I think it has made us stronger and closer as a couple. Sue good things have happened already the fact that Cynthia is still here with us is proof of that.

Well ladies have to go Cynthia's mother and sister are in with her. So her father, bother in law and little DJ are in my house with me and there is a rugby match just after starting so that will keep us occupied for a couple of hours, well at least until DJ decides otherwise.

I will post later and let ye know any updates on Cynthia, when I left her a while a go there was no change from yesterday.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 01, 2009, 11:42:37 PM: Hi,

Great news Cynthia opened her eyes for a few seconds today. I know it wasn't for very long but it's very encouraging that she did. I was so happy and relieved when she did, I was starting to think i'd never see her lovely blue eyes again.

On the advise of two people on this board I made a recording of DJ singing. So I brought the recording in with me this evening, I sat talking to her for a while and told her I had a surprise from DJ for her. When I played the recording she squeezed my hand really tight and when the recording finished I asked her if she liked it, she sqeezed my hand again and then opened her eyes. I'm glad there was a nusre beside her at the time because she saw her open them also, otherwise I would have thought i'd imagined it.

DJ was very happy when I told him Cynthia opened her eyes when she heard him singing and now he's going around the house singing all night. He wants to know now can he go in and see her, but we can't let him in yet so i've told him that we will record him again and bring it in to her and when she wakes up properly he can go in and see her. It's great how 2yr olds accept whatever you tell them(well within reason anyway). I know being 2 you'd be wondering how he can sing, but he has been singing since he could talk. He absolutly adores westlife and that's all he sing. He's our little popstar.

Anyway i'm going to bed a very happy man tonight, I hope you all had a fantastic weekend.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: dimples3887 on March 02, 2009, 10:32:58 PM: John,

What GREAT news! She is showing you just how strong she really is and great idea of the recording. I'm sure DJ feels much better now that he knows that even if he's not with Cynthia, he's still helping her. I know my little nephew just wants to help with everything so it's great that he feels good about what he did. That's great.

Great progress today and it shows you that its just a matter of time before Cynthia will be showing you her blue eyes on a daily basis again. Thank God for answering all of our prayers and holding Cynthia in His hands just for you. You have a true angel on your hands, just be patient until she can be herself again.

Congratulations on the great news!
-Kirsten
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 03, 2009, 12:00:14 AM: Hi Kirsten,

Thanks for the post.

Cynthia has shown more signs that she is fighting back today. She has opened her eyes a few times and each time it seems to be for a little longer. The doctor said that he has her sedation cut back to a low dose to see how she reacts and he is very pleased with her progress. He said he was quite surprised that she wasn't fighting the breathing tube, he said that they can be very uncomfortable(thankfully i've never had the pleasure so I wouldn't know). He also said that her lungs may not be fully recovered and are still depending on the tube and that's why she didn't fight it, he has me a bit confused saying that he was surprised that she wasn't fighting the tube and then saying that. Is she ment to be fighting it or not :-\.

All in all seems to be on the right track at long last and for that i'm truly greatful especially to all those who have prayed and send healing wishes her way. I'm sure it won't be long know before we have Cynthia back to normal, but there is one thing for sure after all this, if she even has a head cold she's going to get it checked out. I certainly don't want to see her go through something like that ever again.

I recorded DJ singing again this morning and brought it in for her to listen to, she seems to react really well when she hears his voice. We were told DJ can come in to see Cynthia when she is awake and the breathing tube is out. The nurses said it may scare the poor child to see all the tubes and wires in and around her, so it's best to wait until at least the breathing tube is out. We told him he could see her very soon and he is delighted.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 03, 2009, 12:28:44 AM: This is one tough girl! She is indeed a keeper, John!

Don't be too perturbed by the doctor's comments; he just may be supplying you with some possibilities. Sometimes I think we expect more from doctors than they can really provide. It's wait and see for them too.

That's wonderful that DJ will be able to visit....good for him and for Cynthia.

Wouldn't it be wonderful when this is a distant memory, to all meet and celebrate?! :D

Thank you for the update....

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 03, 2009, 04:40:54 PM: Hi John,

Been away for a bit taking care of my daughter. She has that rotten cold that's been traveling around. We had a trip to ER Saturday. The congestion was causing a sinus "migraine". I'm glad we went because they heard some wheezing in her lungs. So I'm really glad we caught that early. I have to fight with her to use the inhailer they gave her, but so far she is using it (grousing the whole time of course!). We've had the vaporizer going for the last three days with Vicks in it (it's a liqiud with camphor) to help her breathe. I think my eyes are still watering! They can water all they want though as long as it helps and she can breathe easier. She's been so much her regular teenage self that I think we can safely kick her off the couch and let her sleep in her own room tonight.

The sad part is I had gone in earlier my self. I think I have an enlarged thyroid and it made me feel as if I were being strangled. I could breathe and eat just fine, but the sensation was too much. I was really glad the ER doc I saw was not there, he would have yelled at me for driving after taking the valium they gave me to help ease the sensation. Thankfully it was all new staff (different shift). What a Saturday!

I am so glad Cynthia is doing so much better. Her little nephew will be in to see her before he knows it. I was so sorry to hear about the baby. That's hard enough with out her being so sick too. As for wedding stuff, I would wait for her on things like flowers, invites and things, we gals can get pretty nasty about not having the right thing. I remember standing down my mother-in-law on a few things like that. Anyhow, she should be getting more and more alert as time goes on. Let us know of any more milestones.

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 04, 2009, 12:23:43 AM: Hi,

Sue and Milly thanks for the posts.

Sue your right about the doctor probably just giving me possibilities, I tend to read to much into what they say sometimes. You are also right about Cynthia being tough, she is one of the strongest people I know and is with out a doubt a keeper. I can't wait for all this to be a distant memory and it would be great if some day we all met some day and celebrate. DJ can't wait to get in to see his auntie, but aren't going to take any chances with his health. We want to make sure it is ok for him to come in to see her and also we don't want him to get freaked out by all the machines.

Milly you sound like you have had a very eventfull time of late for all the wrong reasons. I hope your daughter is improving and feeling a lot better. I used to suffer from migranes so I know just how she must have felt the poor thing. I don't need to tell you how important it is to make sure her breathing is made as easy as possibile, it sounds like you have everything in hand with the vaporizer. I know what you mean about your eyes watering the vapours that come off vick would burn the eyes out of your head. Make sure you look after yourself also, it's not easy looking after someone when you don't feel 100% yourself. Please be careful and try to avoid driving when you take valium. I know you had no choice when you had to bring your daughter, but your reaction time may not be to good after taking them.

Cynthia is showing signs of steady improvement. She opened her eyes(or should I say woke up) for at least half an hour this evening. She looked a bit scared looking around the room as if she was wondering what was going on. She isn't able to speak at the minute because she still has the breathing tube in, and I was more than surprised that she didn't try. I sat holding her hand while she was awake telling her all about what DJ has been up to, I hope this relaxed her a bit more. I do hope that she isn't actually scared and that she knows that the things that are happening now are for the good.

I'm off to bed now so will post at some stage tomorrow with more updates.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 04, 2009, 06:58:06 PM: Hi John,

Yeah I really don't like driving while taking meds like that. Because of all the privacy rules etc. I had to be the one to take her. My mom would have, but they would not have treated my daughter without me there. I also needed someone to keep an eye on my son and his friend. I was really glad it was late so there were hardly any cars out. She's doing much better now and fighting about the meds and staying home to get better and so on. So I know she's better. I'm also pretty glad it was a new shift, otherwise I would have caught it from the doc I'm sure.

As for me, I have an ultrasound for the thyroid tomorrow morning. I'm not sure it will show them much more that what I already know. It's enlarged! DUH! Maybe they can see something that would explain it, otherwise it will probably be more lab tests and things like that. BLEH! (I'm not always the best of patients either!)

I'm glad Cynthia is waking up more and for longer periods. She may seem scared and confused when she does. I'm fairly certain her time sense is off by a long way. Hope DJ can get to see his Auntie soon. I think it would make them both feel better. The machines and stuff can be pretty scary, so waiting for most to be gone is best.

Well got to go for now.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 04, 2009, 11:59:43 PM: Hi Milly,

I'm glad your daughter is doing better. I know how hard it can be to get people who are sick to take there meds, I used to have to fight with Cynthia to take her inhalers and all the other crap she is on. I hope all goes well tomorrow with the ultra sound, and hopefully they will get to the bottom of your problem with having to do to many lab tests, like you I wouldn't be the best patient.

Cynthia continues to do well. Everytime she wakes up it seems to be for a little longer. When she was awake earlier I decided to read the newspaper to her to let her know what has been going on in the world, when I got to the bit about the government and the taoiseach(the idiot running the country) she tried to speak, i'm nearly sure she called him a swear word. The doctor is pleased with the way things are going and all going well he hopes to remove the breathing tube tomorrow.

Well thats all for now I think i'm going out in sympathy with all you guys, for some reason I have a pain in my knee tonight which is starting to get on my nerves, so i'm going to take a painkiller and then off to bed.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 05, 2009, 04:55:30 PM: Hi John,

Too funny about the newpaper! I suppose if politics won't get a response nothing would! Glad Cynthia seems to be doing better all the time. I hope they can take the tube out tomorrow. That way she will be better able to communicate. Then you'll know for sure what she is calling people.

The ultra sound went ok. Of course now I am hyper aware of the thing because it's been messed with. Hope that goes away later. So I now wait for the radiologist (sp?) to have a look and report to the doc. I likely won't know much until next week. I couldn't see anything as the machine was behind my head and trying to roll my eyes that far back just did not work. Not sure I would really know what I'm looking at anyway, but I'm noisy!

Take care and hope the knee is a one off thing.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 05, 2009, 11:30:55 PM: Hi,

Milly ya the newspaper thing was funny, I knew by her reaction she was on the road to recovery. Glad to hear the ultra sound went ok, I hope the pain has died down a bit by now. The worst bit is having to wait for results. I would be just as nosy as you, i'd say my eyes would have probably popped out of there sockets from straining them to look at the machine.

Cynthia had the tube removed today and all seems to be going well since it was removed. She has an o2 tube around her nose all the time to make sure she is getting enough oxygen. She hasn't woke up much more than she had done with the tube in. I suppose i'm just looking for mircales to happen now, I know it is going to take a long time for her to get her strenght back. She has been awake a few times today and each time is for about a half an hour or so, she is trying to speak but when she does she just whispers. I have to put my head down behind her to hear what she is saying.

I've told her about everyone sending her well wishes and praying for her, she says thank you. Hopefully she will be back posting to you guys soon. Milly the knee thing seems to have been a once off, when I got up this morning the pain was gone.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 06, 2009, 01:24:39 PM: Hi John,

Glad the knee was just being cranky for a bit. I think Cynthia's voice will get stonger as time goes on. After they took out the tube for my husband it was hard to hear him for a couple of days. She had it in a lot longer so it may be a bit yet. At least she can talk now. Hopefully things will steadily improve, just may be at a snail pace for a while.

Take care.

(If I don't hear anything by this afternoon, I will be phoning the docs office. Not knowing drives you nuts.)

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 06, 2009, 11:16:46 PM: Hi,

Milly i'm glad the knee thing was just a one off thing to. I do hope Cynthia's voice gets stronger or else i'll have to get very strong hearing aids to hear what she is saying. Did you get hold of your doc this afternoon, I hope all went well.

Cynthia is still doing well, we had no set backs since the breathing has been removed(thank god). The doctor was in with her today and he is pleased with the progress she is making. He has taken her off all sedation and hopes over the next week she will become more awake and aware of what is going on around her. She is still wired up to all the other machines and is being fed by a tube, she has IV's up and is getting a bit of extra help with her breathing from an o2 tube. She has been awake a few times today but for no longer than half an hour at a time, she doesn't seem to be to aware of who is around her and some of what she is saying doesn't really make much sense. I guess a bit of confusion is to be expected after what she has been through.

Cynthia's sister is going back home on monday because herself and her husband have to go back to work. I asked the nurses could DJ come in to see Cynthia tomorrow and they said he could, but that he could only stay for a couple of minutes. We told him tonight that he was going to see her tomorrow and he went to bed a happy little boy.
I'm going to miss him when they leave on Monday the house will be very quiet without him, but his parents don't work weekends so they will be back up again at the weekend so i'll get to see him again then.

I hope everyone is fit and well,

Take Care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 08, 2009, 12:40:12 AM: Hi,

DJ got to see his auntie today. He was delighted when we got to the hospital today and couldn't wait to get in to see her. When we went in he went very quiet, he just sat on the chair staring at her. I was trying to get him to talk to her but it was like pulling teeth trying to get a word out of him. I think he was a bit scared of the moniters and the all the drips and wires. One of the nurses came in and was talking to him, she explained what everything was for and he seemed a little more at ease then. Cynthia woke for 40mins when he was in with her, I sat him beside her on the bed and he gave her a kiss and a hug, god love her she started to cry when he gave her a hug.
I never realised how weak Cynthia actually was until then because she didn't have the strenght to give DJ a hug back and this is what upset her. DJ was asking her why she was crying and his mum told him that she was upset because she wasn't able to give him a kiss and a hug back. Bless him he told Cynthia not to cry that he still loved her if she couldn't hug him.

I think his visit tired her out a lot because she went to sleep when he left and hadn't woken up by the time I was leaving which was at around 11pm. He is coming in to see her again tomorrow before they leave for home, so Cynthia will have a week to get strong enough so she can give him a kiss and a hug next week.

I hope everyone is well,

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: dimples3887 on March 08, 2009, 02:11:20 AM: John,

It is great news that DJ got to see Cynthia and that she was awake for it. It made me want to cry reading that she was crying over not being able to hug him back but he is such a sweet child to tell her not to cry and that he loves her anyway. He is a little angel. I'm so happy to read about how things are progressing and I'm sure DJ will be quite surprised next weekend because knowing how Cynthia fights, she'll have made leaps and bounds in the way of recovery next week.

I'm sure this week will allow you more sleep as you won't have a little one bouncing off of you at 6am, but just take it day by day. There's no reason to think that its going to be lonely because you have us all here to pester you for updates and they will be back in just 5 short days. :)

Keep us updated on all of the good news,

Kirsten
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 08, 2009, 02:16:19 AM: What a wonder it is to actually hear that she is getting better each day.

You know that this will be a lengthy healing process but if you look at it as being granted a miracle (I know that's an old-fashioned notion these days but they still happen) then each moment becomes a treasured memory.

Before you know it you and your bride will be whisking off on a beautiful honeymoon somewhere....

Stay in touch...we love the updates...

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 08, 2009, 01:46:38 PM: Hi,

Sue and Kirsten thanks for the posts.

Sue, I definitly look on this as a miracle, I don't think many people would come through what Cynthia has over the last few months. I know if it was me I would have given up ages ago, but Cynthia is not the type of person who gives up very easily she likes to prove people wrong and once again I think she has done that. We had a few places in mind for our honeymoon and a friend on another thread was telling me about St. Petersburg which sounds lovely, so I think we are going to have a hard job picking somewhere.

Kirsten, DJ was delighted to see Cynthia and when he went home he kept talking about her all night. He is a very curious little boy, even though the nurse told him about all the machines and tubes he was still asking about them, he was worried that they might be hurting Cynthia. He was in again this morning to say goodbye and that he would be back at weekend to see her. I'm sure now Cynthia knows he is coming back at the weekend it will make her fight even harder so she can hold him and talk to him.

It might sound funny but i'm going to miss my early morning wake up calls from the little man. He had the house full of life while he was here and now they are gone home it's very quiet. I've just come home to get something to eat and I half expected him to jump out from behind somewhere shouting BOO. It's going to be a long week without him.

Of course i'll stay in touch and let you all know how things are going. You are stuck with me until Cynthia is well enough to post again.

Must go now before my food burns, which wouldn't be something new for me. I'm going back to the hospital after so i'll update later on how Cynthia is. She was a bit emotional this morning but i'm putting that down to her seeing DJ again, hopefully she'll be in a brighter mood later on.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 08, 2009, 11:01:03 PM: Hi,

I went back in to see Cynthia after my dinner and was hoping that she was not as upset as she was when DJ was in with her. She was asleep when I got there and didn't wake up at all, so I don't know if she is feeling any better or not. One of the nurses was in with her while I was away, the nurse told me that it wasn't just seeing DJ that had her upset, it seems to be that everything that has happened to her has really got her feeling a little depressed. Cynthia doesn't think she can take any more bad things happening to her.
I'm not very good dealing with things like this, I'm not sure what to do or say to make her feel better. Any ideas would be appreciated.

The house is really quiet tonight, i'm missing the company already. I think i'll just go to bed early and catch up on a bit of sleep.
Sorry about the little moan.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 09, 2009, 02:07:34 AM: You have absolutely nothing to apologize for, John....we understand totally.

It is so normal for someone in Cynthia's position to be depressed...she has come through 2 potentially life-changing events and the loss of a child as a result. She has every right to be upset and angry...she's mourning and that is so necessary.

The best thing you can do is be her 'rock'....even in my circumstances which were not as serious as Cynthia's my husband was there to hold my hand and listen and care. That's the best thing you can do. As I see it that's what you're already doing. You are a very special man....

Blessings to you both...

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on March 09, 2009, 05:59:02 PM: Sue expressed it better than I ever could have, John. You're doing the best you possibly can by just being there for her. She needs to let it all out. You don't need to try to cheer her up, in fact, sometimes that makes a person feel that it's not OK to be upset and you don't want that. Just let her know that you're there to listen and that you'll get through this together. She is on the mend now and someday this will all be nothing but a bad memory.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 10, 2009, 12:28:30 AM: Hi,

Sue and Terre, Thanks for the posts.

I suppose both of you are right, I just need to be there for her and if she feels like crying let her cry. I know it's good to let it all out and get what ever it is that's upsetting you off your chest but I just hate seeing her like this. You said to be her rock, which I will do my very best to do but seeing her like this makes the rock feel like crumbling. I'm not that much of a special man i'm sure anyone else in my suitation would do the same.

She is on the mend all be it slowly. She was still very emotional today which in turn isn't helping her breathing much. She only woke twice today but both times were for about an hour. Hopefully she will get stronger every day and that you are right Terre that this will be nothing but a bad memory.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 10, 2009, 12:52:29 AM: John, I know at least a couple of men so uncommitted that they would run the other way at the slightest hint of trouble. Believe me, you are special. No doubt about that. You love Cynthia very much.

I'm sure you are prepared that this is going to be a long road to recovery. She has much healing ahead of her....

Still keeping you both in my prayers. Keep the faith, mon ami!

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 10, 2009, 04:35:57 PM: Hi John,

Glad DJ finally got in to see his Auntie. Probably made him feel better. Cynthia too I'm sure. Alot has happened in a relatively short while so being upset and depressed is normal. Like Sue said, be there, listen and let her know you care. It's okay for the rock to crumble around the edges a bit. It's been a pretty big storm to weather.

Well the ultrasound came back fine, so not sure what's up. Had to postpone surgery as my heartrate is too high and potassium too low. Hope I can get those figured out so I can get things rescheduled soon. I will probaby now wait until fall, as we have an important site visit at work and no leaves are allowed for May and first week of June. Not sure if I can stand another surgery when all the kids are home all day (that includes the one I married). I do love them all, but if they spend too much time in the same room....... I don't feel up to playing ref for them after a big surgery like that.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 11, 2009, 12:30:08 AM: Hi,

Milly glad to hear the ultrasound came back clear at least that's one worry off your mind. I'm sure the will figure out what is wrong and be able to fix it soon. Bad luck about having to postpone your surgery, i'm sure the heart rate and potassium are all related to the thyroid problem. Hopefully you will have no problem getting your surgery rescheduled soon.

Sue I know what you mean some men would run a mile when the going gets though, but I don't feel special, I'm just doing what I have to do. I know they say you marry in sickness and in health, well when we get married I think we'll leave out the sickness bit beacuse we've done that and i'm hoping now she knows i'll never her leave her when she's sick. I'm prepared for the long recovery and I know when she gets out of hospital and I have to go back to work she will need help to get around the house, so i'm working on getting a nurse or some sort of a carer to be in the house with her when i'm not there.

Cynthia's mood has been up and down today. She said to me today that it wasn't fair that i've had to go through so much and that she wouldn't blame me if I left her. I was a taken back by this I thought she knew me better than that. I've told her I only had to watch at the side lines and will her on she's the one who has done all the fighting and if anything it isn't fair what she has had to through. I told her i'm not going anywhere and that she's stuck with me for life. She has been awake a few times today and thankfully each time she has woken I have been there. It might make her feel better when she wakes up and sees me there she'll know i'm not going anywhere. I've been trying cheer her up by taking about wedding stuff and DJ.

Getting a bit tired now so i'm going to go to bed. Hope everyone has a goodnights sleep.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 11, 2009, 12:35:57 AM: John, we really are going to crack out the champagne when this is over!!

I've been meaning to ask if you have an iPod....you could put together a playlist of her favourite songs and she could pass some of the time doing that...just an idea....

Keep the good news coming.....

And you will not convince me that you are not a special person....you're special to Cynthia and that counts for a lot....from someone who's been married for 30years!!

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 11, 2009, 01:30:52 PM: Sue's right, you are a bit more than most. Not sure my own would have been with me like that. Hard to say though, never been through anything quite like this.

Take care and don't worry too much about what she says, this much stuff would make anyone down. When you're down you tend to say some pretty silly things.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 11, 2009, 11:56:39 PM: Hi,

Sue and Milly thanks for the posts. You are both right when you say not to worry about what she has said. I know she is just really stressed out with all that has gone on and doesn't mean what she says.

Sue I have an iPod and was thinnking of bringing it in to her, but i'm not sure if i'll be allowed to bring it in. I'm sure if the nurses are afraid of there being any germs on it we could clean it before she used it.

Cynthia has been a little better in the mood department today, she isn't as emotional as she has be for the last few days. I'm still wondering how long it is going to be before she is able to wake up properly. I know the doc said a week, but that week is nearly up now and although she is managing to stay awake for an hour at a time when she does wake it's only a about 3times a day that she wakes. She had a little discomfort on her chest today when she was awake which sent the alarms on moniter she is hooked up to mad. The nurse gave her an injection of something which settled everything down again, but I suppose this is to be exected after all the poking and prodding they have done to her over the last few weeks.
While Cynthia was awake she asked (or should I say whispered) me to tell you all thanks for the well wishes, she said she feels sh**, like she has been hit by a bus but hopes to back with you all soon.

I have a question. I check Cynthia's e-mails everyday for her and she got one today which upset to say the least. This person said they were following her thread, they wrote quite a long nasty e-mail and said that she should stop posting all these lies about herself. They said that it was impossible for someone to have gone through all this and still be alive.
Is there a way for to get her e-mail address off this board, i'm a bit puzzled as to how they got hold of it. The only answer I could have for this person is that i'm sorry that they don't believe that Cynthia's illness is real, and if they could see her they would be ashamed of the e-mail they sent her, nobody asked them to read her thread so if they don't believe what has been posted there why keep reading.
I have deleted the e-mail from because I don't want her to ever see it, I know she would be very upset by it. I just can't believe that someone could be so hurtfull towards someone they don't even know.

I will post tomorrow with updates.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 12, 2009, 12:14:19 AM: John

How awful that someone would do such a hideous thing!

Just contact the Knee Guru...follow this link

http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?action=profile;u=1

She is the Administrator and will deal with the person if she can and/or tell you how to get rid of the troublemaker. At the bottom of the link page there is a phrase that says 'send this member a personal message'...just explain what happened. I would hope that you would be able to give her the name of the email sender...

If you have trouble with this let me know and I will send the KneeGuru a message...

I'm so sorry that this happened...try not to let this nasty person rent space in your head, John...they're not worth the energy....

I will continue to keep you and Cynthia in my prayers...the people who support you are right here and we care....

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lmr1 on March 12, 2009, 12:19:43 AM: John Cynthias email address is on her profile and is not hidden. If you have her password then i would suggest that you hide this to avoid any further upset. If that person is reading this threaf then i have a message for them

Cynthia is here because she is a strong person who God has not finished with yet, there is a special reason why she remains here.
Cynthia is here because many people have prayed for her recovery and God is bigger than any mountain that is put in her way.
Cynthia is here because she has had an excellent team of medical personel looking after her

WE, CYNTHIA AND JOHN FRIENDS ARE HERE TO SUPPORT THEM THROUGH THIS VERY DIFFICULT TIME AND IF YOU REALLY ARE FOLLOWING THIS THREAD AND HAVE NOTHING POSITIVE OR SUPPORTIVE TO SAY TO SOME VERY WONDERFUL AND SUPPORTIVE PEOPLE PLEASE GO AWAY AND LET THOSE WHO REALLY DO CARE FOR THEM CONTINUE TO DO SO!!

John i am glad that you have deleted it and given it the credit it deserves............binning.

We really will have this party when all this is over.

Keep faith John, those of us that care continue to do so and will continue our prayers.........you are both loved by many.

Lisa x x x
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: KW on March 12, 2009, 12:31:50 AM: Lisa, Well said!

John, I may not have very much time to post now-a-days...But please know that I read your updates on Cynthia everyday and she is in my thoughts.

Pay no attention to this person...they don't deserve any of your time. Hopefully Sheila (Kneeguru) will address the issue.

Take Care,
Karen
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on March 12, 2009, 04:30:57 AM: John....So sorry you are having to deal with this on top of everything else. Just continue to keep the faith, trust in the prayers, and God will continue to bless you both and get you through all of this.

Like Karen, although Ive not been posting alot, I do read everyday, and keep Cynthia and you in my prayers.

God Bless....hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 12, 2009, 04:46:10 PM: Hi John,

So sorry there are idiots like that out there. I have another KG friend who had a similar experience. E-mails saying she was faking etc. Honestly, people need a hobby! Report them if you can and try to block her e-mail address. Most e-mail programs have a feature to filter out junk mail and such, maybe you can add that address to the list of blocked senders.

Anyway...It may take quite a bit for Cynthia to stay awake for a long while. As you say, she's been through so much. She's quite a person though and she will get well I'm sure of it. Stubborn can be a good trait too. (That's what I tell my family anyhow! ;D).

Well got to get back to work for now.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 13, 2009, 12:02:03 AM: Hi,

Thank you all for the advise and support. I think I have managed to block anyone from being able to see Cynthia's e-mail address, so if someone could let me know if it is blocked that would be great.

Very hard to except that someone is willing to bully someone who is unable to reply back for themselves. I deleted the e-mail that was recieved yesterday because I didn't want to leave it on the laptop just incase when Cynthia is well enough she would find it and I know it would really upset her. I could post the persons name on the thread but I don't want ot stoop to their level, nor do I want to start an all out cyber war and judging by the strong feelings I am getting from you all I would be afraid this would happen.
This morning I brought my laptop down to the station and showed the computer guy what had been sent. I left the laptop with him for the day and he was able to find out where the e-mail was sent from(don't know how he did it but he did). He said he took the e-mail out of the recycle bin and worked from there, he then deleted it completly from the laptop. I was quite surprised to find that the person who sent the e-mail isn't a hundred miles away from where we are. This person was paid a visit by a couple of guys from the station and has been warned if anything else like this happens action will be taken(they are good at the old BullS***), they also told the person on question that they were more than welcome to come in to the hospital to see for themselves how sick Cynthia actually is. Needless to say they declined the offer. I hope everyone understand why I don't want to post this persons name but I think it will just cause more hastle and I don't need the aggravation at the minute.

I suppose i'll let you all know how Cynthia was today. When I went in to see her this morning she was awake and in good form, she had the iPod on and seemed to be enjoying the music, so who ever gave me that idea thank you. The nurses said she was awake a bit during the night and was looking for me, they told her that I went home to get some sleep and that I would be back in the morning, she told them I was lasy sleeping all the time(now I know she is on the mend). The nurse this morning said Cynthia hijacked one of the night nurses for an hour last night and the two of them were chatting(I was wondering why my ears were burning lastnight). When I got into her room this morning I said to her well Rip Van Winkle who are you calling lasy you've been asleep for the best part of a month and I got a big smile. I've been waiting for a smile like that for a long time and boy was it good to see.
So she seems to becoming a bit more alert each day and all the tests that have been done are coming back with encouraging news that the infection is well and truly on it's way out. Her heart seems to be doing well(don't know what the blip was yesterday on the machine) and her lungs are recovering well. They are hoping that she will be alert enough next week to start doing some physio with her to get her legs working again.

Milly you are right Cynthia is a tough person and a very stubborn person to(that's why she is where she is now).
Donna good to hear from you, how are you getting on after your surgery? I hope you are not in to much pain.
Karen Thank you for the post it's nice to know we are in your prayers.
Lisa well what can I say but thankyou very much for the post, if that post didn't put the e-mailer in their box than nothing will. Can you tell me how to block someone from seeing her password, I didn't think someone could see her password.
Sue thank you for the advise and sending me the link also, i'm hoping now I don't need to use it and that the person in question doesn't mail again and if they do I will certainly send it to the Knee guru.

I'm off to bed now, need to get a goodnights sleep because my little partner in crime is coming back tomorrow night and I know sleep will be the last thing on his mind.
Thanks again for all the advise and support.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 13, 2009, 12:59:53 PM: Hey John,

Kinda funny about the little vist the e-mailer had. Hopefully they will be inclined to mind their own business from now on.

Sounds like Cynthia is more herself now. That's wonderful news! Hope she can see DJ this weekend. I think they would both like that. It's great that she is staying awake more and more.

Surgrery has been postponed until we can figure out what happened with the electrolytes. Don't need any more bottoming out. The more I read about low potassium, the scarier it was. If it gets low enough either the heart or the lungs stop working. Definately don't need or want that. Like I told my son, I'm not a car and can do with out a jump start. So...I am going in for more blood work and another visit to the doc. Hopefully we can get it figured out and I can reschedule for later in the summer.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 13, 2009, 11:07:38 PM: Hi,

Milly, sorry to hear you are still having problems. Hopefully the doctors get to the end of it soon and you will be able to get your surgery soon. It's definitly not worth going ahead with it at the minute, you can do without the heart or lungs stopping working. I like the way you worded it to your son, it is easier to jump start a car than a persons heart.
My little partner in crime arrived this evening and was full of mischief, it's will be great to have him around for the weekend. We are bringing him in to see Cynthia tomorrow and he has a big present for her. He decided when he went home that his big teddy would keep Cynthia company while she is in hospital and insisted on bringing it with him this weekend. I don't know will the nurses let us keep it in the hospital but I thought it was really nice for a 2yr old to be so generous with his toys.

Cynthia was in good form today when she was awake, it seems like each day she is waking a little more and more. Today when she was awake she tried sitting up in the bed , she didn't have the strength to do it on her own but it is certainly encouraging that she feels strong enough to try. She did get a bit fustrated that she couldn't sit up but we told her she will get there eventually it will just take a bit of time. They have put some thing on her thighs to stimulate the muscles and to stop the muscles from wasting away, they also said this will make get stronger even though she is unable to get out of bed and use the muscles properly. I don't think she likes when they put it on her but it has to be done as part of the healing process.

I think it's time for bed now because the little man will more than likely be up early in the morning.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 14, 2009, 12:15:21 AM: Hi John

What a wonderful little boy! He obviously has been encouraged to be generous by his parents. That will serve him well in life!

Are you back at work or do you still have time off?

Later, when Cynthia is feeling better, I would love to send her an e-card; but we'll cross that bridge when we get there.

Just wanted you to know that you are continually held up in prayer that things will continue to improve each day.

Sue the :-* Canuck
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 14, 2009, 01:57:56 AM: Hi John,

What a little sweetie! Maybe they will at least let teddy stay for a visit, if he can't stay.

It's good that they are doing the e-stim for her legs. Yeah it kind of stinks while it's on. I always found it felt weird and sometimes like lots of pin and needles. Not the most comfortable, but it does help a lot. She should start feeling stonger soon.

Hopefully we can get the medical stuff sorted out. I was looking at my meds and my allergy medicine has sudafed in it and it can cause some of the issues. So I'm going to ask about it when I see the doc. I've been taking it for a long time now, but may be getting more sensitive to the decongestant part. I did not realize it had that kind of decongestant in it either or I may have said something sooner. Sudafed can bother me if I take too much, so maybe it's a piece of the puzzle.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 15, 2009, 12:21:54 AM: Hi,

Sue and Milly thanks for the posts.

Milly I hope you do get the medical stuff sorted out very soon. It's worth a shot asking the doc if the allergy medicines are causing some of your symptoms. I'm not sure of the name of the thing she has on her legs but one thing is for sure she does not like it when it goes on.

Sue i'm sure Cynthia would love to get an e-card from you. I'm not very up to date on all this computer stuff yet so i'm going to ask a question you will probably laugh at. What is an e-card? Thanks for the continued prayers(much appreciated).

Well the little tornado ran through the house bright and early this morning. He decided he would wake me up instead of his parents(how nice of him). He was full of energy and it was quite hard to keep him quiet, I told him he'd have to keep the noise doen a bit beacuse his mum and dad were still asleep and he just looked at me as if to say so what. I decided to take him down to the station so his parents could get a couple more hours sleep. He got a spin in the patrol car and loved it.

When we all finished breakfast we went up to see Cynthia. DJ brought the teddy with him to give to her. When we got there DJ burst into her room and nearly threw the teddy at her. She was delighted to see him and was even happier she was able to give him a hug and a kiss. She loved the teddy but the nurses told DJ he'd have to bring teddy home and mind it until Cynthia could come home(he was a little disappointed she couldn't keep it with her). He told Cynthia all about his spin in the patrol car and how he drew a lovely picture on the bedroom wall with nail polish. Cynthia was alseep when DJ burst into the room and god love her he must have scared the life out of her she nearly jumped off the bed.
Cynthia is begining to realise she has a long hard recovery ahead of her. Just a simple thing like giving DJ a hug and a kiss had her exhausted. If she does as she is told and takes things at the pace the doctors and nurses set out for her I have no doubt she will be back to her old self very soon.

Well have to go now, I hope you are well.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on March 15, 2009, 01:12:35 AM: Hi John

An ecard is a card which is sent over the Internet to someone's email address. I have several sites that I use to send these ecards. And no, I'm not laughing. There are a lot of things I don't know about computers too!! ;D

It's inspiring to hear how Cynthia is responding and feeling better every day. Keep smiling, John, things are going to be all right!

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 15, 2009, 11:26:38 PM: Hi Sue,

Thanks for the explaination about the e-card. I have heard of them but never actually knew what they were.
Cynthia continues to do well today. She was awake for quite a while today and her voice seems to be getting a bit stronger. She was delighted to see DJ again today, he seems to be giving her that extra boost she needs at the minute.

Sue i'm still smiling. I have reason to know that the love of my life is getting better.
Enough of the soppy stuff. I hope you are well and had a good weekend.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 16, 2009, 12:53:43 PM: Hi John,

Wow a ride in a patrol car! Must have been quite exciting for the little guy. Too bad they wouldn't let Cynthia keep the bear, but am sure there was a good reason. It's great news that she is feeling better each day.

Yeah I sure hope to get this medical stuff figured out pretty soon. If so maybe I can schedule for the end of summer. On the bright side I will be able to ride my motorcycle this spring. I was pretty sure that would be out with an imobilizer on my leg, especially the one you shift with. LOL ;D I actually saw a few out there today, but it needs to be a bit warmer for me.

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 17, 2009, 12:38:18 PM: Hi,

Milly I hope all atarts to sort itself out for soon and you get to go ahead with your surgery. Take it easy if you go out on your bike. Don't think it sounds like a good idea but that's just me being extra cautious.

Sorry I didn't get to post last night but for some reason I couldn't get into this it just kept coming up database error.

Cynthia still continues to make good progress. She has been more awake yesterday than she has done for the last week(if that makes any sense). The nurse told me yesterday morning that they went in to check on her at about 6am and found her trying to get out of bed, they said thankfully she hadn't the strength to get out of the bed because she would more than likely have fallen as she hasn't used her legs in such a long time they would be very weak. She only managed to sit up when the nurses came in she was trying to move herself to the edge of the bed and we know what she would have tried to do if she had got her legs over the edge of the bed. Although she shouldn't be trying to do this on her own it is very encouraging that she feels that much better that she is trying.

DJ isn't coming back this weekend :'( :'( but will be back the following weekend. He is such a joy to have around the house.
I tried the lasagne recipe last night, i'm not sure I cooked to well, lets just say my stomach was doing somersaults all night after I ate it. Thankfully I feel ok today. I think I need a lot more practice in the kitchen.

I must go now as I haven't been up to see Cynthia yet, I had a lasy morning and only got out of bed at 11am.

La Fheile Padraig(Happy St Patricks Day) to you all. Will post later with todays updates.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 17, 2009, 02:17:50 PM: Thanks John. As far as the bike goes, I assume everyone is trying to hit me etc. So tend to ride very defensively. If I get her out of the garage and things don't feel right, I put her back. ;) Wouldn't want to drop her and scratch her up. I wouldn't want to be either, so I take extra care.

I'm glad Cynthia feels well enough to "escape". They may need to keep a closer eye on her, so she does not fall out of bed.

Let us know how she's doing.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 18, 2009, 12:11:27 AM: Hi Milly,

Glad to see you have the good sense not to put yourself in danger by taking the bike out when your knee isn't up to it. I wouldn't be to worried about dropping and scratching the bike though. The bike can be replaced you however cannot.

Well Cynthia hasn't tried to escape today. She had been awake for a long time today but come 6pm she was absolutly exhausted and gave in. She went to sleep then and was still asleep when I left her at 11pm so i'd say that'll be her asleep for the night.
I hear what you are saying about them keeping a close eye on her so she doesn't fall out of bed, they decided after what she tried to do the other morning that they would put the rails up on the bed at night. If I know her when she has enough strength back she will try to take the rails down. She was giving out today about them putting them up she said she feels like she's in prision.

I think it's time for my bed now. Will post tomorrow.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 18, 2009, 12:46:41 PM: Hi John,

I definately take extra care when it comes to riding my motorcycle. I wouldn't want to get hurt. I actually refused my husband's Harley because the balance did not feel right to me (he was going to get a new one for him, so we could ride together). If you are not comfortable, you shouldn't ride.

It's good Cynthia is staying awake longer. It rather does feel like a cell with the rails up, but better that than a fall to the floor. It's harder that it appears. She is getting better because she's complaining about stuff like that and that's a good sign.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on March 18, 2009, 02:56:22 PM: Oh my, the prisoner is trying to make a jailbreak! That's definitely a good sign. Maybe you should remind her, though, about the stitches she ended up with in her head the last time she tried to stand before her legs were strong enough to support her. lol! So happy to hear that she's on the mend.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 18, 2009, 11:22:10 PM: Hi Milly and Terre,

Thank you for the posts.

Milly I'm glad to hear that you know when it's not safe to get on the bike. I have come across many an accident involving people who shouldn't have been out riding for one medical reason or another but just felt they couldn't stay off the bike. They then ended up not being able to rget on the bike for a very long time and some of them never again. Sorry about all that serious stuff.

Terre I must remind Cynthia about the last time she ended up splitting her head, thinking she was ready to walk and then falling flat because her legs just couldn't support her.

Cynthia is still doing well. She had something to eat today for the first time since she was admitted to hospital. Although it was only something small at least she managed to eat. I'm sure now she is back on solid food again that she will get even stronger. The physio was in with her today and was getting her to do some leg lifts. She wasn't able to do to many but before she was exhausted and was complaining of pains in her knees. Hopefully all these little steps she makes in her recovery everyday will have her back on her feet very soon. I know once she's back on her feet she i'm going to have a hard time getting her to take it easy and do as the doctors and nurses tell her. So I will more than likely be calling on you all to give out to her and get her to do as she is told. She can be a very head strong person as i'm sure you are all aware. Cynthia's voice has got a good bit stronger and she said to give you all a big hello.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 20, 2009, 12:04:55 AM: Hello everyone,

Just a quick update.
Cynthia is still making progress. Her voice is back to full strength again(god help me ;D) as her physio found out today. Her physio had her doing leg lifts and had that thing on her quad muscles again. After a few minutes Cynthia started telling the physio her knees were sore and that she couldn't do any more, the physio said to her just a couple more and then we'll stop. So after the couple more she had a little break and then the physio told her a few more on each leg and then she'd leave her alone. Cynthia looked at him and said "I know why don't you stay in bed for the best part of a month and then have a physio come in and torture you, What is it with you men constantly telling women what to do". The poor guy was only doing his job but he says he's well used to it, and he said maybe he was getting her to do to much. He said she knows best how her body feels and didn't get her to do anymore, he didn't want to be the cause of a set back.
They have taken her off the heart moniter thing and she is down to just 2 IVs. Hopefully they will be taken out next week and we are also hoping she will be moved out of the high dependency unit next week.

Sorry the post is short but my bed is calling me.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 20, 2009, 01:24:15 AM: Hi John,

Don't mind the serious stuff. I want to be able to ride my bike a long time and be around to enjoy other stuff too.

Sounds like Cynthia is making good progress. The poor PT! I think they understand the situation though and don't take it to heart. It hard to be ill and out of sorts and have someone asking you to do things. Even if the things are good for you! I hope she can move to a regular ward soon.

As far as sleep goes, I am getting a bit sleepy myself. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 20, 2009, 11:11:44 PM: Hi Milly,

Glad to hear you have good sense while riding your bike.

Cynthia is making good progress. She had a little set back this morning but seeems to be ok again. She had an asthma attack early this morning but luckly the nurses managed to keep it under control and the meds that they gave her stopped the attack before it got to serious. She didn't have to do her physio today after the attack(she'd do anything to get out of physio), they decided it would be best to let her rest for today, besides that I don't think she would have been physcially able to do anything the attack took alot out of her and she slept most of today. Thankfully tonight she is a lot better than she was this morning. What happened this morning just made me realise that she has a long way to go before she is fully recovered.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 21, 2009, 12:08:52 AM: Hey John,

Too bad Cynthia had an asthma attack. They can be bad enough when a person is at full strength. It would have taken all her engery. There is tomorrow for PT. She may need to even do PT every other day until she gets more strength back. It will be a long road for her, but she is not alone so it helps.

Hope you both have a better day tomorrow.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 21, 2009, 11:29:05 PM: Hi,

Ya Milly it was pretty bad luck and it really took a lot out of her. But today she is a bit brighter and not as exhausted as she was yesterday. She didn't have any physio today but i'd say it'll be back to business on Monday. They won't let her get to lasy.

Hope you are well,

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 23, 2009, 01:34:27 PM: Hi John,

Glad she's better. The PT can be a drag, but it is necessary (that's the only reason I do it).

Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 23, 2009, 11:25:17 PM: Hi Milly,

Thanks for keeping in touch. Cynthia is still doing well and was back doing physio today and giving the physio grief. She is still quite tired but with time that will improve. The physio can be a drag as you say but it's the only thing that will get her back on her feet and she knows this, so despite all the giving out she does she knows it's for her own benefit.

How are you keeping. Did you get the health issue sorted out yet?

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 24, 2009, 01:11:09 AM: Hi John,

Have not quite got this sorted yet. See my GP on Wednesday. I have a list of questions I want to ask and will get a copy of the last blood tests. Hopefully it's just one of my meds bothering me and we can fix it easy. Unfortunately you have to give medication changes a week or two to see any difference. So it's still a waiting game. Since I was sharing pics on another post. Here is my kitty with her new toy from Christmas.

(http://i195.photobucket.com/albums/z226/TwoBadKneesUSA/SDC10012.jpg)

PT is a drag, but you get through anyhow. She'll get back into the habit once she's had a few more sessions. The strength and stamina will be slow returning, but should come back.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 27, 2009, 12:59:28 AM: Hi,

Cynthia has done well since I have last been in contact with you all. She has been moved from ICU to her own room on a normal ward. She is a lot happier now that they have moved her and her friends are able to come in to see her now. Everyone still has to gown up going into her, not sure why it must be to protect Cynthia from the germs outside. She had a physio session today while I was in with her. She took a few steps on her own today(well actually with a walking frame), it was great I got so excited to see her walking it was like watching a baby taking their first steps. She only managed a few steps and then said she needed to sit down, and of course being Cynthia she couldn't wait for the physio to get her back to her chair, she decided to sit on the floor. She is getting stronger everyday and is starting to give the nurses grief so I know she is getting better. She has told me to say a big hello to you all and to give you all big cyber hugs. She is thinking about you all and can't wait to get back talking to you all again.

Milly How did the visit to the gp go on wednesday. I hope you got to ask all your questions and more important you got answers to all of them. Nice kitty, unfortunatly we can't get one Cynthia is alergic to them.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on March 27, 2009, 01:26:57 PM: Hi John,

Great news about Cynthia. She will be going home before you know it.

The GP visit went pretty well. The BP and pulse rate were back into the normal range. Still wants it a bit lower, but looking good. The Allegra D was not on my med list in the chart, so he did not realize I was still taking it. I have stopped that one since it could be part of the problem. The potassium was back up into the normal range, he wants that one higher. I think the combo of the sudafed in the med and low potassium were the problem. I think the thyroid thing was just my body trying to let me know something was wrong as it's fine and back to a normal size. So I am going to keep an eye on the BP and pulse and see how it goes. I may even be able to go back off the blood pressure med he gave me. That would be nice, it makes my hands and feet ice cold alot!

The kitty is spoiled to death. I'm glad that's not one of my allergies, she is so nice to have around.

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on March 27, 2009, 03:53:44 PM: Excellent news, John! Give her a big hug from me. I'm so pleased. I'm sure the gowning is to prevent people from bringing in new germs. With everything Cynthia has been through in the last few months, her immune system is going to be greatly weakened and will need time to build back up. She's going to be vulnerable for a while yet.

BTW, if you really love cats, my daughter told me there's a new breed out that is hypoallergenic. Can you believe that? I think it's because they don't produce as much of the dander that causes the allergic reactions. Of course, you pay big bucks for them, but I think it's great that there's an option for folks with animal allergies.

I am so laughing at the picture of Cynthia parking it on the floor. What a character!
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 28, 2009, 12:12:25 AM: Hi Milly and Terre,

Milly glad to hear you are getting the health issue sorted out and that things are finally returning to normal. It's amazing how a thing as simple as a tablet can cause so much disruption to your health. It's good that the doc is getting a handle on it now.

Terre i'll give Cynthia that hug in the morning for you. You are probably right the gowning up is to protect her from our germs as you said her immune system will be very low. I was laughing when I read your bit about the hypoallergenic cat, I never knew such a thing exsisted. I like cats but if I we were to get a pet it would have to be a dog.

Cynthia is still doing well she managed to do a few steps more today than she did yesterday, and didn't park herself on the floor this time she waited until we got her to her chair. The floor must have been to cold for her yesterday. DJ arrived this evening and as soon as he arrived he wanted to go in to see Cynthia so we brought him in after his dinner. Cynthia was delighted to see him and this time she was able to give him a proper hug and kiss. He was telling her all about play school and what he was going to do with me this weekend(don't know where he thinks we'll get the time to do all he listed out). Cynthia was in good spirits when I left her tonight and seems to be feeling a lot stronger. The nurses have had to take the walking frame out of the room when there is no one with her because they know what she is like, if she got there backs turned she'd be trying to do things she's not able to do.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on March 31, 2009, 11:49:47 PM: Hi,

Just a quick update,
Cynthia is doing really well. She is now managing to walk from her room to the nurses desk, it may not be 100 miles but it certainly is a big step for her. She knows it's only about 20ft but she says it feels like she has done a marathon when she's finished, she also has to wear a mask when she leaves the room for physio and she says she feels like a right idiot walking with this thing on. She said it's bad enough to look like an old woman of 90yr using a zimmer frame without having to wear that to, needless to say she had a fight with the poor nurses about wearing it. All her IV's are gone but they still have that needle thing in her hand to give her the medicine through. The nurses are keeping a close eye on her to make sure she is behaving, and are making sure she is getting loads of rest, not that she needs to be told to rest as she still gets very tired very quickly so sleep is high on her priorty list a lot of the time.

Hope everyone is well,

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 01, 2009, 03:37:55 AM: John

You are so good to do these updates. It sounds as though Cynthia is making progress slowly every day.

We've been preaching patience to you...and now it is she who will need to have patience. Easier said than done when you've been as sick as she has been.

We've been cheering her on now for awhile and we will continue to encourage her...

Be well and happy

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 01, 2009, 01:16:04 PM: Hi John,

The "road trip" she's been able to make is great progress. It is frusterating to be sure, and slow as well. Good to know things are so much better. I would not want to wear a mask either, so can understand her reluctance. You do feel like a fool with one on.

Things are much more normal now all the vitals look great. So I can start making plans to reschedule surgery. What a pain this has all been. At least it's been a simple fix, stop on med, take a suppliment. Not so hard. Now we just need to get the clothes dryer fixed. I don't have much clothes line so can only do up so much, so it can dry. :P Ah well could be worse I guess.

Take care,
Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 01, 2009, 11:39:12 PM: Hi Sue and Milly,

I'm just in with Cynthia. She wanted to send a few posts herself tonight but was feeling to tired tonight so she was telling what to type for her. We posted on another thread and when we were near the end of the post she fell asleep again, so I thought i'd just give ye a quick update and hopefully she will be more awake tomorrow so she can post herself.

Cynthia says her torturer was in with her at lunchtime. He had her out walking again but had to fight with her to wear the mask. She says she feels so stupid wearing it, but I wish she'd understand it's only for her own good they are not out to make her look stupid. Her physio went well but she is having a lot of pain in her knees. She had a scan and x-rays on them this morning and the ortho guy was in with her after she had them. He said her knees are in bad shape at the minute and the right one is alot worse than the left. I'm not to good with all the knee stuff and rip van winkle has just nodded off again so i'll leave her to tell you what he said. She was saying something about a micro fracture what ever that is, but i'm not keen on her having anymore surgery, not until she has recovered fully from this and is strong enough to endure another knee op.

Sue you are right it is her that will need the patience now, unfortunatly this is something that Cynthia really lacks. As you say it is easy for us to say to her to be patient but I think she knows it's going to be a slow process, and she seems to be doing as she is told so far. Thanks for all the encouragement you have given it is appreciated.

Milly Glad to hear the vitals are looking great now and that you are able to reschedule your surgery. I know it has been a set back you could have done without but it was better to get this sorted out before the surgery as it could have caused you serious problems. Hope you get the dryer fixed soon.

I think it's time I was heading home.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on April 02, 2009, 03:33:16 AM: Hey John and Cynthia...
Im glad things are coming along. I have to chuckle when I read about the whole patience thing, as I have none either. I am driving everyone nuts being confined to this darn recliner and knowing I have yet another major surgery coming up. I dont do well sitting alone. So maybe we can encourage each other in this department.

Again, Im so glad things are improving. I think about you often and continue to keep you in my prayers.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 02, 2009, 11:24:49 PM: Hi,

Donna good to hear from you. Hope that you are keeping your chin up, I know it's not nice to know that you have another major surgery coming up but when you have it done and are the other side of the op you should be feeling loads better and who knows your knee problems may be a thing of the past. It can get quite boring sitting around all day and not being able to do the things you like to do and especially having to rely on other people to do things for you. You sound like a strong person and I have no doubt that you will get through the surgery with no problems. Thank you for keeping us in your thoughts even though you have so much going on in your life at the minute.

Cynthia is still surprising me with her recovery, she seems very determinded to get mobile again which is great. But it obvious to see that she is having a lot of pain in her knees. When she is walking you can see the pain in her face, but I suppose be on the flat of her back for so long without using her legs hasn't helped her cause much. She told the physio today she was bored with the usual walk and wanted to try and go a bigger distance, he wasn't to keen to let her but as you all know she can be very persuasive. She did the mini marathon as she called it and was absolutly exhausted after doing it but she just said no pain no gain(that's fighting side of her i've been waiting to see for so long). I just hope now she doesn't try to do to much to soon. Her doctor was in today and he said he is amazed with her recovery, he said he has never seen anyone come through all she has and still have a smile on their face. I'm so proud of her with the way she is handling all that has happened to her. She's fantastic and has a great outlook on life and I can't imagine my life without her.

Hope you all had a great day and are all well.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 02, 2009, 11:49:56 PM: And there is the proof, my dear John, that you're in it for the long haul. Many men would have ditched this whole situation a lllllooonnnggg time ago. Here you are saying that you can't imagine a life without Cynthia. You are both so wonderful...I can't imagine the two of you apart for any length of time.

These are the times in your life that either make you or break you. I speak from experience because even after 30 years of marriage my husband and I are even more committed to each other despite the difficulties which we have endured over time.

Surely you will post wedding pictures because that will be the culmination of this love story! By now you've guessed that I am a sentimental middle-ager who has a weakness for romance! ;D

Sue#2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 02, 2009, 11:50:39 PM: And there is the proof, my dear John, that you're in it for the long haul. Many men would have ditched this whole situation a lllllooonnnggg time ago. Here you are saying that you can't imagine a life without Cynthia. You are both so wonderful...I can't imagine the two of you apart for any length of time.

These are the times in your life that either make you or break you. I speak from experience because even after 30 years of marriage my husband and I are even more committed to each other despite the difficulties which we have endured over time.

Surely you will post wedding pictures because that will be the culmination of this love story! By now you've guessed that I am a sentimental middle-ager who has a weakness for romance! ;D

Sue#2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 03, 2009, 11:09:53 PM: Hi Sue,

I'm definitly in it for the long haul, after all we've been through lately I know Cynthia is the one for me. I could never have imagined leaving when the going got tough, even when she was telling me to go home and rest I still felt like I was leaving her to deal with everything on her own.

Wow you are married for 30yrs now that is some that you and your husband are really commited to each other. I'm sure Cynthia will post the wedding photos and if she doesn't i'll remind her. I to am a bit of an old romantic, or as Cynthia puts it a big softie.

Cynthia is still making good progress today, she didn't get to do as much physio as she wanted today but the physio was afraid of her over doing it and I have to say I agree with him. It's great that he is able to get an eye on her while I am working and I know that he wouldn't make her do anything he thought she wouldn't be able to do. The nurses have been very good also and are making sure she is resting when she is supposed to be. A few of her friends have been popping in and out to see her while i'm at work and are reporting back to me letting me know that she is behaving herself. I'm glad they are calling in to see her, I don't like the thought of leaving her on her own all day I know her mum and dad call in to see her but they can't stay all day because they have to work to.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 07, 2009, 12:25:40 AM: Hi John,

Glad Cynthia is doing well. It's nice that her friends are going to see her. It will help keep her from feeling as lonley too. I'm sure she wants to be all gung ho with the physical therapy, but it's good they don't let her over do. It usually sets you back more than you gain.

Seeing wedding photos would be lovely. I will be waiting to see them. Lot's of work in the planning though. I can still remember and it's been almost 20 years now.

Well got to go for now.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 08, 2009, 12:41:44 AM: Hi

I have no doubt the photos will be online as soon as Cynthia gets them in her hands. It is good that her friends are getting in to see her but it's mostly evening time they are calling because they are working so she is still on her own most of the day. Things are a bit hectic at work for me at the minute so i'm not getting in to see her as many times as i'd like to during the day. Monday night it was 9pm when I got into see her and I had promised her i'd bring her the laptop in so she could post you all but by the time I got in she was to tired to post and was a bit annoyed with me(she soon got over that). I told her if I got away from work early enough tonight that i'd bring the laptop with me and she could post tonight.

I did get in early enough tonight to see Cynthia but she wasn't feeling the best so didn't feel up to posting(this is not like her). I don't actually know what excatly had her feeling a bit off she never said she Just slept for the evening, maybe she just has been over doing things over the last few days. So I just sat with her and let her rest she had a hold of my hand and my god she nearly stopped the blood from flowing her grip was that tight. I was asking the nurses how was she today. They said that she had her physio early this morning and that the physio made a comment to them that she a lot quieter than usual that she didn't argue with him once. The nurse went in to take Cynthia's blood pressure and all the usual stuff they do just on the off chance that she might want to tell them something. Her blood pressure was slightly raised again along with her heart doing a few extra beats, so the nurse asked her if she was feeling ok. Cynthia said she was ok just very tired and wanted to sleep for a while, so they let her sleep for a while and then went in to check on her again and her blood pressure and heart were still the same so the nurse decided to call the doc to check on her. The doc came and checked her over, he did an ecg and said that it was normal so there was nothing to worry about there. He asked Cynthia if she was anxious about anything but she wouldn't talk to him she said she didn't want to talk about it. He left it at that as he didn't want to upset her. A while later one of the nurses went in to chat to Cynthia to see if she would tell her what was bothering her, and bless her she poured her heart out to the nurse. Because I was late getting in to see her last night and she didn't know where I was she thought I had left her, and she is a bit upset with all that has gone on and said she wouldn't blame me if I wanted to leave. My god what kind of dreams has she been having or how did she get that idea into her head, she's stuck with me for good. I went in to speak to her after the nurse told me all that but she was fast asleep and I didn't want to wake her, I will be going in to see her on my way to work in the morning, it will be an early call but I have to talk to her I can't have her going through another day of thinking like that.

It's getting late and I have to up ealry.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 08, 2009, 09:01:12 PM: Oh John,

The poor dear! It is wonderful that you are so understanding of how she feels. It must be very difficult to sit there all day like that. It is easy to think things like that when you are not your best. Is she still on any pain medication? I know some of them make me pretty down and depressed. Lots of other meds can do that too. Send her a big hug from me. Hope she feels like posting soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 08, 2009, 11:27:50 PM: Hi,

Milly i called into Cynthia early this morning to chat to her and try to reassure her a bit by telling her I have no intention of going anywhere. She was a bit surprised to see me so early but I think she felt a lot better after our chat. I callled back in to her at lunch time and left the laptop with her so she could post if she was up to it. When I called into her tonight she said she posted on another thread which she was posting on before she got sick, but got tired very quick so was going to have a rest and post here later. Then her physio came in and by the time he was finished with her she didn't have the energy to send any more posts. Hopefully she will feel up to it tomorrow, i'll drop the laptop in to her on my way to work.
She is still on pain meds and is getting some fairly strong ones at the minute to handle the knee pain she is getting. They are making her quite drowsy, and hopefully that is the reason she was having an off day yesterday.
Remember I told you a while ago her friend had passed away, well tonight Cynthia asked me had I seen her and was wondering why she hadn't been in to see her. So I had to break the news to her that her friend had passed away, needless to say she didn't take the news very well and was a bit mad that I hadn't told her sooner. I explained I was worried to tell her when she was so ill herself I was afraid of it setting back her recovery. So she seemed to understand why I hadn't told her. She was very upset so the nurse had to give her something to settle her down a bit. Whatever she gave her seemed to knock her out and when I left her she was sound asleep. I will be calling in to see how she is on my way to work and will give her that hug from you.

Take care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 09, 2009, 10:33:12 AM: Hi John

We all knew that you were eventually going to have to break the news given that her friend had not called or been in to see her. I'm so sorry that she didn't take it well but that is to be expected too. What a difficult situation for both of you. The poor girl has lost a lot in recent memory.

Easter weekend is one of my favourite times of the year. As I participate in some Church activities I will be sure to pray for you both for continued healing both body and soul. Be well......

Blessings to you both....Sue#2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 10, 2009, 12:13:08 AM: Hi,

Sue, John was telling me about you're friends loss and it sounds like you had a tough few days lately. Thanks for keeping John going over the last few months with your kind support and prayers.

John left the laptop with me tonight on the condition that I wasn't to spend half the night on it. He won't be able to get until to see me until tomorrow night becasue he has some big thing coming off at work, so he didn't want me sitting here bored all day. He left me a few dvds so I can watch them on the laptop.
I see that I may have been a bit hard on John yesterday after all he was only looking out for my best interests. When he told me about my friend passing away I was devestated and unfortunatly for John he was in the line of fire for my reaction. I did apologise to him this morning when he called in and he told me there was no need to apologise I was better to say what I had to say rather than hold it all inside and say nothing. He is so understanding, if it was me telling him and he reacted like that I would be annoyed that he took it out on me. I didn't think I would have reacted as bad as I did so maybe he was right not to tell me any sooner god knows what would have happened. I got such a shock when he told me it was the last thing I expected him to tell me, I know she had been sick for a long time but I didn't realise that she was that bad. Everytime I get sick something bad seems to happen to someone close to me, it doesn't seem fair. If things were different and I hadn't got sick before christmas I would be looking foward to becomeing a mother very soon. My friend was on a waiting list for a lung transplant for a while but unfortunatly she never recieved the donor lungs she so badly needed. When she told me she was on the waiting list it made me think that if anything happened to me that I didn't have a donor card and it would be a very tough decision my family to make so I registered myself as a donor that way god forbid if anything did happen my family wouldn't have to make that hard decision. I don't know if there are any good parts left in me worth transplanting now but at least i'd know i'd be giving someone the chance to improve their life in some way.
Today I am still wallowing in self pity, I don't know what's wrong with me I think I need a good kick up the backside to get myself sorted out. Yes I have had a rough time of it latley and hopefully that is all behind me now but I can't help thinking that something else will happen. I'm driving myself crazy thinking like this but I just can't shake the feeling. I think I need a change of scenery, i've been looking at the same 4 wall in here for far to long but they won't let me go home >:( >:(They are saying i'm not well enough nor am I strong enough, how in gods name can a person get better in here it is sole destroying just sitting here, not allowed to go for a walk unless someone is with you and having to use this stupid frame(ok I do need the frame or i'd be flat on my face), needing help to wash, to eat even to get in and out of bed..Ahhhhhh
Ok sorry about the rant but I had to get it out and I think John has listened to me rant long enough his ears must be sore listening to me.

Hello to Milly, Terre and Donna and anyone else who has posted while i've been sick. Your well wishes and prayers have been appreciated.

Love,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 13, 2009, 02:42:25 PM: Hi Cynthia,

So glad to see you posting again. It is difficult not to feel sorry for oneself in situations like this. It just is not fair at all. I always said that hospitals were terrible places to try to get well. It has been such a long road for you both. I'm glad you are doing better each day. I hope they can do something for your knees once you are strong enough to go home. Take care and try not to tire yourself out too much.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 13, 2009, 05:50:39 PM: Hi Milly,

It feels good to be posting again. I'm only getting limited use of the laptop because they think i'm going to over do it by staying on line half of the day instead of resting. I'm nearly over the whole feeling sorry for myself thing although i'm still having my moments when I think why me. I'm hoping they will do something for my knees when I am strong enough, they gave me injections into the knees the other day and they took a bit of the edge off the pain thankfully.

I hope you and yours are keeping well.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 16, 2009, 11:49:01 PM: Hi,

Sorry this is such a short post but it's past my bedtime the eyelids are getting heavy.

Cynthia is doing much better, she has been making good progress with her physio and the doctors are pleased with the way she is progressing. The doctor mentioned yesterday that she could get home in the next few weeks if she behaves herself and does as she is told. Knowing Cynthia this will be hard for her to do but knowing how much she wants to get home I think she might do as she is told for once. Her knees are causing her the most problems at the minute. They are keeping her awake at night with the pain, but tonight she was sound asleep when I was leaving so hopefully she'll stay that way all night.

Anyway once again sorry for the short post. Hope you are all fit and well.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 17, 2009, 12:42:45 AM: I actually think it's a good thing that your posts are getting shorter, John. Psychologically it means that you are not as concerned with Cynthia's daily ups and downs well-being. I hope you know what I'm trying to say. She is progressing so well and behaving herself for the most part, so there's little to report. That doesn't mean that we will give up praying and hoping that she will progress to going home soooonnnnnn!

I went out to a craft fair today...some wonderful offerings; unfortunately, a little too pricey for me...

It's been beautiful here....sunshine, 15-16*C and more of the same tomorrow. I think a day in the sunshine is in store for me.

Blessings to you both and everybody posting...

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on April 17, 2009, 06:08:04 AM: So glad Cynthia is progressing so well. Thats great!! Now, if she only behaves herself, she will work her way back out of there in no time. ;D Just wanted to say hello and let both of you know I am thinking of you.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 17, 2009, 04:26:39 PM: John and Cynthia,

Good to hear from you both. Glad they are prepping you to come home. Try to behave so you can go home. I hope they can do something for your knees while you wait to get stronger. I think they tend to hurt more because you are not at your best. I know I hurt more when I don't feel well. If they are keeping you awake with pain, ask about what your options might be.

It's good that the posts are shorter John. Things seem to be on a more normal roll, so less to report. That's good.

Take care both of you. I will be praying that Cynthia will go home soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 18, 2009, 12:15:53 AM: Hi,

Donna good to hear from you. How is your knee coming along? Have you had your second surgery yet? If you have had it I hope you are healing well and that you are not in to much pain.

Sue I know what you are trying to say and I agree with you to a point but I don't think i'll be fully relaxed until I have Cynthia back home with me for good. Once I know she's been given the all clear I know it will be safe to let my guard down and relax a little. We had a beautiful day here also but not quite as warm as you had, none the less it's good to see the sun shining at long last.

Milly I to hope they can do something to ease the pain Cynthia is in once she has recovered enough from this. It's not nice to see her in pain and she hates not being able to sleep, it makes her very cranky the next day.

Just when things were going well Cynthia had a minor set back today. She collapsed during her physio session but the doc doesn't seem overly concerned he said it could be caused by a number of things and the way her blood pressure has been going up and down lately that it was probably that which caused her to collapse. Other than that she has been fine today she has been ordered to stay in bed for the day and if she needs to get up for any reason she has to call a nurse. She doesn't like being given orders but she has done what she was told all day and has asked for help when and if she needed it.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 18, 2009, 12:41:48 AM: Hi John

These ups and downs are to expected, I think. Blood pressure is a tricky thing to regulate. Increased activity in one who has been somewhat confined would certainly provoke that reaction. It's unnerving, nonetheless.

You are both fortunate to have found each other: you, because you've found the love of your life and Cynthia, since you are definitely a keeper. Just think of how much you'll have to talk about when you're aged! My husband and I seem to have an endless supply of memories over which to reminisce!

Well, off to clean up the dinner dishes. I wish you all a restful night of sleep and a good day, feeling refreshed.

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on April 18, 2009, 04:57:50 AM: John and Cynthia ,

Hello, my name is Christy AKA Tee. I started reading your story and became addicted I styed up all night reading until the end of your journal , found myself crying when Cynthia got really sick. For some reason , about half way thru your posts I had to remind myself it wasn't a novel I was reading, it was the story of someones life. I cant even imagine going thru what you went thru Cynthia, Kudoo's to you from me. You're my new hero, I pray for you every day. They say, God only gives us what he KNOWS we can handle, well, I guess he knows your one special person to deal with all of that . I will continue to check back every day. I wish you luck and fast healing.

John, I can only hope to find such a great man like you one day ...

Cheers

Tee
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 19, 2009, 12:15:52 AM: Hi,

Christy thank you so much for your post. I will show Cynthia your post tomorrow when visit her. I didn't realise how long Cynthia's thread was until you said you sat up all night reading it, I can't believe how many posts that have been made.
Cynthia has been through a rough time over the last few years but the last few months have been the worst yet, To say a nightmare would be putting it mildly, but Cynthia as always battles through and surprises me over and over again with her determination. I am so proud of her in the way that she has handled everything that has been thrown at her and she's my little hero also.
Men like me aren't that hard to find, i'm just an ordinary fella standing by my special lady in her hour or should I hours of need.

Sue - Cynthia is realising now that the ups and downs are all part of the recovery proccess and she just has to do as she is told in order for things to get better. It was a bit unnerving yesterday when I was told what had happened and it scared Cynthia also, but to be honest I think it was just the scare she needed to make her take things easy.
I'm sure when we are older we will have loads of memories to talk about but this is one I think we'd both like to erase from our memories. Hope you had fun washing the dinner dishes, as Cynthia says to me "A womans work is never done".

Cynthia was in good enough form all day, she was a bit tired and was giving out that every time she stood up she was feeling light headed like she was going to pass out again. So she didn't try to venture from the bed without any help today, i'm so glad she is asking for help it makes me relax a bit knowing that if she needs help she will ask for it. Apart from that everything else seems to be ok.. Oh and how could I forget the knees i'm hearing enough about them, Yes they are still causing her a lot of problems but the pain medication seems to take the edge off the pain. Actually i've just had a thought, Cynthia was fine until she went on these pain meds and the day after she starts them she collapses and is light headed. I'm wondering would it be a side effect to the tablets. I must say it to the nurses in the morning, although they have probably already checked it out.

Well it's bedtime now so i'll say goodnight.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on April 19, 2009, 05:35:59 AM: Cynthia and John,

I've just finished my prayers for you for the day . May I ask where you live , what State ? I'm getting a bit nervous as I'm having surgery on my Right knee on the 6th of may, I'm having a lateral release and a Get ready for this long medical mumble jumble , open medial patellar femoral ligament reconstruction with allograft .Has anyone who reads Cynthias post had this done ?

Talk soon

Hugs your way

Tee
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 19, 2009, 12:39:16 PM: Hi Tee

I've had a patellar tendon replacement with allograft. Is that similar?
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 20, 2009, 12:42:10 AM: Hi

Tee we are in the north west of Ireland. I'm not much good with knee stuff that's Cynthia's department but I do know she had a lateral release last July, I haven't a clue what the other thing is you mentioned. I hope someone here can help you and i'm sure Sue is more than qualified to help you. Hope you don't mind me saying that Sue. Best of luck with your up coming surgery and make sure you do what the docs and physios tell you. And as I always annoy Cynthia with after her surgeries ICE ICE ICE and plenty of rest.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on April 20, 2009, 06:33:53 PM: John,

WOW, Ireland, how cool is that , Ive always wanted to visit Ireland. SO tell me how is Cynthia doing ?

I live in the USA, Michigan . I would love to send a get well package to you guys , is there anything you have always wanted from the USA ?

talk soon
Tee :D ::) :-\
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: SELLARS on April 20, 2009, 07:01:33 PM: im having a lateral Release on the 29th April and im not lookin forward to it.I have maltracking inmy right knee but Arthritis in both and need both of them replaced.
The doc says it might not help or even make it worst (i dont think i can could get any worst) reading all the letter on here isnt doing me any good (my hubby tells me off lmao) i should take no noice he says but i need to no abit more about the op ie..... r u in plaster after ......... what pain killers do the give u just things like that
If anyone can make things seem alittle better, i would love to hear from u
thxs
sellars
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 22, 2009, 12:43:06 AM: Hi,

Tee - Ireland is a beautiful place but then again what else am I going to say I live here. I have never been to Michigan but once Cynthia is better i'm going to make sure she gets the most out of life and touring America will be one of the things on our to do list, first would be to win the lottery so we could pay for it all. We have been to Florida and loved it, Cynthia has been to a few other places in the USA as she has family over there. Thank you for the very kind though of a get well package, but I can't really think of anything that we've wanted from the USA, and the way Cynthia's moods have been of late it is a waste of time me asking her because she is changing her mind so often, but thank you very much for the offer it was much appreciated. Cynthia may have an idea when she is feeling more herself.

Cynthia is doing good, she is feeling better in the sense that she is not as light headed as she was and doesn't feel like she is going to collapse everytime she stands up. She has been told to call someone everytime she needs to get out of bed but Cynthia being her usual self as soon as she didn't feel lightheaded she was getting up without calling someone. She got up yesterday to use the bathroom and when she was coming out of the bathroom there were 2 nurses standing with their arms folded looking at her as if to say "Were we talking to ourselves when we told you to call us". They told her not to get up agian without calling them, Cynthia is complaining saying it's like being under armed guard having someone standing outside the door when she needs to use the bathroom, but to be fair the nurses are only doing their jobs and are looking out for Cynthia's best interests they don't want to see her collapsing again. Cynthia is still doing her physio and is making very slow but steady progress, She knows working hard at her physio is her key to getting home so she is doing everything they are asking her to do.

Sellars - I don't know a lot about knees only Cynthia's ones ;D. Cynthia had a laterl release in July of last year. She originally went in just to have a scope to see what was going on and when she came back from the theatre the surgeon told us he preformed a lateral release due to her patella maltracking. He also told us she had osteoarthritis in both of her knees. Cynthia had a tough recovery for some reason and I was surprised because she flew through the surgery she had on her other knee with no problems the year before. I think part of the tough recovery was having a surgeon that didn't care about any of the problems she was having after the surgery so we found a new ortho guy. Unfortunatly Cynthia's surgery didn't do any good her knee hasn't shown any kind of improvement. But everyone heals in different ways and you could fly through the recovery with no problems at all..then you would be wondering what were you worried about. You won't be in plaster after the surgery and the pain killers they give are more or less the standard pain killers, but if your pain is bad they give you something stronger. Cynthia was on just ordinary paracetmol reason being that a lot of pain medication aggreviates her asthma. They did give her a course of steroids to help with the swelling because Cynthia can't take ibuprofen or any anti inflammatory drugs like that again due to the asthma. I would be inclined to go with what your husband is saying, try and forget about all the negative stories you are hearing this site is designed for people with knee issues and unfortunatly the reason they are posting is because their surgeries have not been a success. Everyone one is unique and heals in different ways and hopefully you will have no problems with your surgery and will be glad you had it done. And as I said to Cynthia your knees are so bad what have you got to lose. Try and relax or do something that will take your mind off your up coming surgery and good luck with the surgery. Let me know how you get on when you have it done..Well it will probably be Cynthia you will be posting by then but I will ask her how you are. Don't forget after the surgery keep he leg elevated as much as possible and ICE ICE ICE.

I feel like a knee geek now, that was the first bit of advise(if you can call it that) i've given someone. Anyway it's well past my bed time.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on April 22, 2009, 03:15:06 PM: John,

See how that happens... lol Your a knee guru now , your just as addicted to this site as the rest of us are . Glad to hear Cynthia is feeling a bit better.

I also had a LR 8 yrs ago and it did wonders and I had no problems with my recovery. So, I agree with what you said every person is different

talk soon

Christy

P.S. when you make your worldly tour look me up
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 22, 2009, 04:50:22 PM: Hi John,

Glad Cynthia is not so lightheaded anymore. It probably does feel like they are watching her too much. As you said though, they are looking out for her. I thought your advice sounded very sensible. See if you hang around long enough, it starts sinking in. A tour of the states sounds like fun and I hope you can some day. I too am a Michigander. If you can ever get this way, make sure you see the Lake Michigan shoreline it is fabulous. White sand, lovely sunsets etc. The other lakes are nice, but I am paritial to Lake Michigan (I've lived within 10-15 miles of it all my life). Someday I would like to take my mom to see Ireland. I would also likely need to win the lottery to take the grand tour though. Take care and tell Cynthia hello.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 22, 2009, 07:08:22 PM: Hi John....

That goes for us here in Canada too....you're welcome to visit any time you'd like. I'm very partial to Canada, particularly to eastern Canada where I live.

I think that we will have to make you an honorary Geek, since you know all the knee stuff and some of the terms too... :o

They don't want to keep her any longer than they have to in hospital/ Strengthening is the only way out of the 'prison'!

Please give Cynthia my best and keep a hug for yourself...you deserve a lot of credit for your devotion, John, even though we all know you do it out of love for her!!

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on April 22, 2009, 10:02:22 PM: Well, if you're gonna do the States, don't forget to come see me in NH. I'm on the coast, so I can take you to the beach, and we're just an hour out of Boston. There's lots to see and do there. :)
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 23, 2009, 12:52:46 AM: Hi everyone,

Well hopefully when and if we do take our tour we will visit each and everyone of you guys, it would be great to see you all in person.

Terre apologies if you have already told me where you live but where is NH. I think Cynthia has been to Boston when she was yonger and said it was really nice there.

Sue we won't forget about Canada, but when do you actually get sunny weather don't think I could handle all the snow you guys get so we would plan to go when it's sunny season. I will let Cynthia know you sent good wishes, did you ever just feel like you needed a hug well that's how I feel tonight so your hug is very welcome. I'm sure Cynthia would have the same devotion if it was me in her suitation, it's just the things people do out of love.

Milly I glad my advice sounded sensible, I didn't want to say to much in case I sounded like I was giving bad advice. I suppose reading all the knee problems on this board and listening to Cynthia's knee problems I have gained a little bit of knowledge. Your mum would love Ireland, where we are in the north west is very scenic and if you do get to make the trip you have to go down the south to Kerry and Cork, it is so nice down there.

Tee if we get around to making that trip we will look you up. I am as addicted to this site as you guys are, i'm going to miss posting here when Cynthia is back to full health and posting again. Glad to hear your Lateral Release worked well for you. Quick question for you or anyone else that may be able to shed some light. Cynthia has a rather noticable bluge on the side of her knee since her Lateral Release, it is a hard lump and is more visible when she bends her knee. She has asked her ortho guy about it but he has never given her an answer. It feels like a bone and when her leg is in a straight position it looks like her kneecap just disappears into her knee. If thats sounds funny sorry, I really don't know how to describe what it looks it just looks like. So has anyone got any ideas what this buldge is ???.

Well got to go now. Need to be well rested for tomorrow have to be in court all day so it wouldn't really look good if I was falling asleep during the case. And the guy that head butted me is also up in front of the judge tomorrow, hopefully the judge won't just give him a warning.

Take Care on and all. Here's a few cyber :-* :-* :-* :-* :-* for you ladies.

John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on April 23, 2009, 04:43:19 AM: No need to apologize, John. NH is in the northeastern US, in the area called New England. Most of NH is mountains and lakes, but we have a small stretch of coastline on the Atlantic ocean and that's where I live. Springs are usually very rainy, summers can get into the 90's and fall foliage in the mountains is breathtaking. If you don't like snow, though, this isn't the place to visit in winter. At one point this year, we had snowbanks almost over my head and temps can sometimes drop to 20 below (Fahrenheit).

I'd love to visit Ireland someday, too. My mother has been twice and she said it's beautiful. Her parents came from somewhere around Waterford and supposedly we still have some Flynn and Courtney relatives there.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on April 23, 2009, 11:54:20 AM: Hi John

I'm glad you liked the hug, John....I'll send you a couple more 'cause it sounds like you need them with all the head-butting and other incidents you must have to endure at work. <<hugs>>

Canada is a very rugged country where most people live close to the border for obvious reasons. We do have an interesting climate. The east and west coasts definitely have different things going on. Since the Atlantic is so colder than the Pacific so is the east coast colder and snowier than the west coast which tends to have more micro climates and generally very mild temperatures. So when the middle of the country is locked in cold and snow, the west coast is rainy and mild. Milder temperatures start appearing around April and snow begins around the end of October or early November. We joke about the snow all the time but it isn't that bad....you get used to it! Terre knows what I mean; her area is much the same as mine....

All that to say that the best time to visit would be the summer! ;D ;D

It really is a beautiful country and I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. There's so much to do here that it satisfies everyone's wish.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 23, 2009, 03:55:01 PM: Hi John,

Hope court went well for you today. Falling asleep would be bad! Hope they do something about the guy that head butted you. I am not always happy the police are around (we do have some snooty ones in our area), but would never treat them that way. The things that you go through every day, make me glad someone is willing to do the job. (Hope I got the correct profession, if not sorry about that.)

I would love to get out to Cork and Kerry for sure. We would have to visit around Wexford as that's where the family is from. Not sure about relatives still there, but likely so. One of the best family stories is how the great great's got boat fare for a wedding gift so they could come to the states. Don't have a year for that though. Still would be wonderful to visit.

Well got to go pound on..I mean fix a misbehaving PC.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 23, 2009, 11:07:53 PM: Hi,

Terre I remember now you did tell me where you were from. Sounds lovely with all the lakes and mountains, Cynthia loves that kind of place hence why where we live has a mountain behind us and a big lake in front of us. Waterford is a lovely place but is quite a distance from where we live so we don't visit there very often. I don't know how you handle those freezing temperatures but I suppose you are used to them by now. If we got all that snow here the whole country would grind to a hault.

Sue thanks for the hugs, they were just what I needed after a tough day in court. The judge was a bit of a nightmare and when I was in the stand giving my evidence you'd swear I was the one on trial with the questions that being asked. I think Canada is a bit like Ireland, the east of Ireland always gets the worst of the weather and the west is usually much milder. I think we would be leaving our tour until summer time that way we can avoid all the snow all you guys get.

Milly you guessed right I am a police officer. Some officers are very snooty and think they are above the law and that they can do what they like, this ends up getting the general public annoyed when they see them acting like that. Thankfully those kind of officers are rare in our station. The judge gave the guy that head butted me a 3yr suspended sentence for being in possession of drugs and fined him for assualting me, and the fine is to be given to a charity of my choice. Well I don't need to tell you that I asked for the money to be given to the unit Cynthia has been in, they do fantastic work and with this resession there funding has been cut so they will take any donations that come there way. I've never actually been to Wexford so I can't tell you what it's like but from what I hear it's quite nice.

Cynthia says hello to you all and hopes everyone is keeping well. She had the same usual routine today physio and rest, must be pretty boring for her having to be so quiet all day, as you all know being quiet is not really in her nature. She can't wait until she gets home but I have yet to tell her that when she does get home I am going to have someone there with her while i'm at work at least for the first few weeks. The guys in her office are coming up to see her tomorrow, I was in the shop this evening before I went up to see Cynthia and they told me to tell her that they had major gossip and they would be up to see her after work, so she is looking foward to their visit even more.

Well that's all from me for now, i'm going to tey and get an early night have a long shift tomorrow 6am - 7pm so i'll need as much sleep as I can get.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 29, 2009, 11:55:38 PM: Hi All,

Sorry this is such a quick post but i'm soooooo tired I could fall asleep on the computer.
Cynthia had tests done yesterday and the results were all very encouraging, so much so that she may be able to come home within the next 2 weeks. She is counting down the days no until she is allowed home. It's great news and would be even better if she gets home for birthday which is next weekend. Speaking of which do you think it would be a bad idea to have a few of Cynthia's friends over for a small birthday celebration if she does get home or do you think she wouldn't for entertaining so soon after leaving the hospital.

Cynthia sends her love to you all, and we both hope you are all keeping well. Sorry again for the short post.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on April 30, 2009, 02:02:06 AM: John.

thats GREAT news, Yes, invite her friends over, she will most definitely be tired but she has spent so much time in the hospital she will be so excited, I would think. One week from today is my surgery , gettin nervous.

talk soon

tee
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on April 30, 2009, 05:27:18 PM: Hi John,

I agree, just keep it short and she should be fine. It is such good news to hear she may be commng home.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on April 30, 2009, 11:36:01 PM: Hi,

Tee and Milly,
It's great news the best we have had in a long time. I was thinking of asking just a few of Cynthias very close friends over for a takeaway(my cookings not great) and then let the women have a chat to catch up on all the gossip. I'll have to insist they bring their boyfriends with them so i'll have someone to talk to. I have to run the idea past Cynthia first after all it is her birthday.
Cynthia can't wait to get home to get back posting, as she says herself she will have no nurses giving out to her for being on the laptop to long. Tee good luck with the upcoming surgery, I hope all goes well for you.

Hope you are all well.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 01, 2009, 06:55:33 PM: John,

Good idea to invite the boyfriends, you don't want to overrun with a bunch of women in the house. The only thing I woudl suggest is to wash hands frequently, guests too. It is a simple way to minimize the possibility of Cynthia up a bug. Even a nasty cold right now would make her quite sick. She needs to have some normal time now too though. Hope her birthday is great.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 01, 2009, 10:55:45 PM: Hi,

Milly thanks for the tip. The last thing I would want is for Cynthia to pick any kind of bug up. I will be making sure that no one gets past the front door if they are not feeling 100%. I agree she needs some normal time, even if it's only for a couple of hours at least she'll be able to forget about all she's been through for those couple of hours.
I'm sure she will have a good time no matter how many friends she has over.
Cynthia is doing very well and is now allowed to walk around where ever she wants as long as she stays on the same floor as her room. She is still walking with the aid of a stick but at least she's up and about.

Well that's all the news for now. I hope you are all well.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 06, 2009, 12:02:41 AM: Hi everyone,

Cynthia had thought she would get home today. Well the bad news is that Cynthia didn't get home today, but the good news is that the doctor said he will let her home Thursday/Friday all going well ;D ;D. I'm getting excited at the thought of her coming home but on the other hand getting nervous because I don't really know what to expect. I know it is very important that she gets plenty of rest and doesn't over do things(i'll have my hands full getting her to rest), but i'm going to be on edge every time she coughs or sneezes wondering if it is normal. All the time she's been in the hospital if anything didn't seem normal the nurses would pick up on it straight away and deal with it, but I don't have a medical degree and won't know if something needs sorting out. All that aside I can't wait to get Cynthia home, it's been a long time and i'm so glad to see the end in sight.

Hope everyone is keeping well.
Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on May 06, 2009, 02:59:42 AM: Awwww...thats great news, John. Im sure you are nervous. She has been through soooo much. And making her rest may be a chore. You might have to be firm with her, for her own good. This is not something to play with. Hopefully with the weather changing for the better now, it will help her alot in healing too. Have they come to the source of her problem?? I know she had a tough infection, but do they think thats what the culprit is, maybe it just wasnt gone completely last time? Or is it the asthma? Im sure everything is going to be ok. Make sure the doctor and nurses pull no punches in letting her know how important it is for her to rest when she gets home.

Im having surgery on Thurs., but will check back as soon as I can after that.Tell Cynthia Im thinking about her and continue to keep her in my prayers.

hugs to both of you,
DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 06, 2009, 11:31:12 PM: Hi,

Donna,
The job I will have getting Cynthia to rest will be harder than doing my normal job, she can be very head strong when she wants to be but i'll have her mum and dad on hand to help make sure she does what she is told and I have someone organised to look after her while i'm at work. So from that end of things i'm all organised, just wish I wasn't so nervous but i'm sure that will pass once I get her home. I'm not sure was the staph infection the source of the problem but I think it was, her asthma didn't make it any easier for her to fight the infection but as always she fought through it and has come out the other side smiling. The doctor and nurses have been very good and have been very straight talking with her, they never tried to hide anything they just told her things the way they were and what she had to do to help with her recovery, i'm sure they will stress just how important it is for her get plenty of rest and not to overdo things.
I will tell Cynthia you were asking after her. Best of luck with the surgery and I hope this surgery will be the last you need on your knee, i'm sure Cynthia will want to give you the same message. We will keep you in our prayers also.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on May 07, 2009, 06:44:33 AM: John,

Your nervousness will go away as you said. My surgery went good, Ive started a new post under Post op I think.

Good luck on your surgery Donna, insist on the nerve block I had one and I have 0 pain right now. not looking forward to tomorrow though

Love to all . Cant wait to chat with Cynthia

Tee
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on May 07, 2009, 06:58:54 AM: Thanks John and Tee! :)

Just so happy for you guys, John!! Ill check in as soon as I can and by then, Im sure Cynthia will be home and enjoying being in her own surroundings. You are such a great guy, and Cynthia is blessed to have you. :)

Take care....

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on May 07, 2009, 08:40:03 AM: Hey Donna,

Why doesnt Chelsea come on kneeguru anymore ? She livesin the same state as I do and was looking forward to talk to her

tee
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 07, 2009, 05:44:04 PM: Hey John

Great news about Cynthia coming home. Hopefully she can read this from home. It will be hard to get her to rest, but sounds like you have enlisted some aid for yourself. I am so glad she is well enough to be at home now. A hospital is no place to spend any length of time.

Let us know how she gets along?

Donna - good luck on your surgery.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 07, 2009, 06:42:35 PM: What great news!!!! .....Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 07, 2009, 11:40:52 PM: Hi everybody,

Well I have great news for you all, Cynthia finally came home this evening. She is over the moon to be home and I have to say it's great to have her back. She was to tired to post tonight but did read all the posts you guys sent and she is very greatfull for all the support you have shown and given to me over the past few months. She is in bed now so I decided i'd send a quick post to let you all know the news, I must say it's good to have my bed warmer back when I get into bed now it'll be nice and warm ;D ;D
Thankfully I have a week of from work starting today so I can keep an eye on her and make sure she does as she is told. I was given a huge list of instructions leaving the hospital of the she is allowed and not allowed to do. When I got her settled at home her parents came over and I went to get her prescription at the chemist, such a bag of drugs I came out with :o :o If I had to take all of them it would kill me.

Well goodnight to you all and the best of luck to you Donna.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 08, 2009, 12:13:40 AM: Champagne for everyone!!!! We will have to arrange a time for a toast!!!

I'm very happy for you and Cynthia....how wonderful is that! Now she will have to be careful for awhile!! However, she does have the best looking after her!!!

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 08, 2009, 03:11:15 PM: WHOOO WHOOO!!! About time. \_/ Cheers! Good to see that she is home. The list of no-nos is probably several feet long no? Hope she is doing well at home and hope to see a post from her soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 09, 2009, 05:10:36 PM: Hey Guys,

This is the quickest post ever because i'm being timed by my mother. Thank you all so much for all the birthday wishes, much appreciated. And a big thank you for looking after John so well while I was in hospital, he thinks ye women are the best when it comes to giving out advice. Right as I said quick post.

Much love to you all

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on May 10, 2009, 03:21:25 AM: Hi Cynthia,
welcome home! Good to hear from you again. It is too funny that your mom timed you on the computer! Well, I guess we don't have to worry about you tiring yourself out, because it sounds like you're going to be under armed guard for awhile. lol! Take care, sweetie.
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 10, 2009, 05:16:45 PM: Hello everyone,

Well i've been given 10mins to send a couple of posts(how very kind of them ::)).
What a lovely day today i've been sitting in the garden most of the day much to the annoyance of John. He thinks I shouldn't be sitting outside for so long but I reckon i've spent enough time indoors and i'm entitled to spend a few hours in the garden. Obvioulsy I wouldn't be sitting out if it was raining but the sun is shining and it's really warm so I doubt there is any chance of me getting cold.
Much to my surprise John cooked a really nice dinner today and I was shocked it was actually edible. He told me he took a few cooking lessons while I was in hospital so he could make sure he wasn't going to poison me. I thought that was a really nice thing to do.
Well i'm feeling so much better for being at home and i'm getting a bit stronger everyday. I still have to walk using a cane which i'm hoping I will be able to ditch soon. John thought it would be funny to tease me when I was given the cane in the hospital so I thought it would be funny to hit him on the bottom with it, lets just say he won't be teasing me again about it ;D ;D.

I have a couple more posts to send so I better end this one here. I hope you are all keeping well and that the sun is shining on what ever part of the world you are in. I would like to thank you all for taking such good care of John while i've been sick, it very much appreciated.

Much love to you all,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on May 10, 2009, 07:23:28 PM: Cynthia,

So great to see you posting again. I've missed reading what you write. John sure is a nice guy and I know your gonna get better this time .

Gotta go , in some pain from my LR and MPFL surgery 4 days ago. just took pills gonna go lay down

Much love you and John

Tee
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 11, 2009, 12:10:58 AM: Hi All,

Just thought i'd pop in and say hello. I've been trying to keep Cynthia from being on line all the time so it was only fair that I did the same, it wouldn't be very nice of me to say to her not to go online and then turn around and use the laptop it would be kind of like rubbing salt in the wounds.
Cynthia is doing great and is keeping me very busy. Trying to get her to relax has been the hardest thing to do. She thinks that now she is home she should be allowed to do all the things she was doing before she got sick, but i'm under strick instructions from the doctors not to let her over do things so i'm having to be Mr. Nasty for a while(not that i'm being nasty but you know what I mean). Cynthia decided because the weather was lovely and warm here today that she was going to sit out in the garden, I had no problem with her sitting in the garden for a little while to get a bit of fresh air but she decided to spend most of the day sitting out. I was trying to get her to come indoors after an hour but she was having none of it she said she had spent enough time stuck indoors and was going to make the most of the good weather. So that put me in my box there was no budging her on that decision, I only hope now that she doesn't catch a chill from it.
I'm off work until next week so it'll be good to spend some proper time with her, we have loads to catch up on and most important we have a wedding to plan.

Tee Thanks for calling me a nice guy, i'd like to think I am a nice guy so it's nice that other people notice. I hope you are not in to much pain after your surgery. I don't know a lot about all the knee things you guys are going through but i'm sure pain is to be expected 4 days after surgery. I hope with time your pain eases.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 11, 2009, 01:26:27 PM: Hey John and Cynthia,

Good to hear from you both.

Cynthia - It must have felt good to be outside after all the time in the hospital, but please take care. No one wants you going back there. It is tough to take it easy, but slow going is best. Good to hear you are getting stronger every day. The cane is not so bad. I finally broke down last year and bought one I at least like. Thankfully have not needed it much, but glad it's there just in case.

John - I second the notion that you are a nice guy. You have been so good to keep us posted. Hope your week off is good and not very exciting at all.

Well knees are cranky today so want to get my stuff done at work, in case I need to go home.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 11, 2009, 01:56:21 PM: Hello all

I like that we get a two for one!! John and Cynthia posting!

After a week of rain and cool cloudy, nasty weather the sun is shining again! And yes, we had snow flurries for Mother's Day yesterday!!! ??? ::)

So fill us in on the wedding plans when you get them sorted out.....

Sue
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 11, 2009, 11:44:06 PM: Hi All,

Milly it must be a day for cranky knees, Cynthia's have been giving her grief all day also. She has been a good girl today and rested only because with her knees the way they are she wasn't able to do much else. So I was a happy man not having to worry about her over doing things today. I hope your knee feels better soon. I second you when you say no one wants Cynthia back in hospital, I don't think I could cope with her getting that sick again, it nearly killed me to see how sick she was. I have every intention of enjoying this week off work, and best of all i get to spend it with Cynthia at home.

Sue, I was afraid ye would miss me so I decided to post ;D ;D ;D. Well i'm glad to hear the sun is shining with you again, but can't believe you are still getting snow. We had another lovely sunny day today but the weather forecast says it'll be back to the rain on Thursday so we'll have to make the most of the sunshine while we have it. I'll leave the filling in on the wedding plans to Cynthia, I think she'd like to talk to all ye women about it.

Cynthia is still doing great and is loving every minute of being out of hospital(who wouldn't). She spent her day yet again relaxing out in the garden. I have no problem with her relaxing but I wish she'd do it indoors, I know she could do with the fresh air after being in hospital for so long but i'm afraid she is going to get a cold. Her knees have been giving her a quite a bit of bother today and she said the sun beaming down on them helps, I reckon that's her way of getting round me to stay outside. Cynthia was going to post earlier today but she was so tired after her tea she went to bed and hasn't been up since. So with that note i'm going to finish my post here and go and check on her.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 12, 2009, 12:17:14 AM: John and Cynthia and everybody

It's great that sh'e getting fresh air. As long as she's not chilled (maybe with a comforter on her) she should be fine. I know that if I were her I would want to be outside too!! ;D

I guess our reputation here in Canada will be further fostered (everybody thinks we live in snow houses and have dogsleds in our laneways ;D) if I tell you about more snow!! It was beurtiful here today, a little on the cool side but sunny nevertheless. It really is abnormal to have flurries in May!!! ::) ::) The knees have been achy for a few days....I'll be glad when it warms up and isn't so damp!

Well, I am just finishing the first homemade BBQ sauce for grilling later this week...I'd better go tend it before it burns!

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 12, 2009, 02:45:16 PM: Hi John,

Yeah must have been a bad knee day. I think it is going to rain in a day or two (knee still not happy). Hope it is does not rain for the weekend. My daughter wants a bonfire for her birthday, so rain would make that a no go. Like Sue says, as long as she is not getting chilled she should be okay. The sun does feel good on achy knees for some reason, but you may be right about wanting to find an excuse. At least it seems like she is resting as she should.

Cynthia - Glad you are finding the fresh air so nice (likely what made you tired, but a good tired I hope). Sorry the knees are crabby at the moment. I can tell 2-3 days before it's going to rain. :'( :'( I am more accurate that the weather person! Gearing up for a bunch of high school kids (16-18ish) to invade Saturday night. The party is going on from 6:30 to midnight (UGH!), thankfully her dad will be up that late (not me). She is keeping it late since a few of her friends are at a choir concert until 10 pm. The spring concert is "Always on my birthday". Should be fun anyway. I just cruise out a few times a night to check on them, see if they need sodas or anything, make sure no beer or such finds it's way back there. I told her to warn them about trying it as I will call parents to pick them up. They are a good bunch though, but they are still kids so am keeping my eye out.

Well take care both of you.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 12, 2009, 11:59:20 PM: Hi All,

We decided to post together tonight, so i'm typing and Cynthia is telling me what to type(how kind!!).
Cynthia says she is feeling great but the knees are driving her nuts(funny I thought she was nuts already ;D Just got a slap for being smart). She agrees with you Sue(ghost) she says the time she spent outdoors has done her the world of good, to be fair she has got a bit of colour back in her cheeks so maybe it was just what she needed.
I decided Cynthia needed a change of scenery today so I brought her for a drive in the country, well there was a bit of method in my madness I knew there was less chance of her catching a cold sitting in the car than there would if she was sitting outside. We had our dinner in a lovely little country hotel, dinner was really nice and it saved me from cooking so we were both happy. Cynthia slept the whole way home in the car, it must have been the good food that had her so tired. I've been told to tell you that it's my fault she's wide awake now because I let her sleep for to long on the way home.

Milly rather you than me having a teenage invasion at the weekend. Glad to see you are going to be on watch duty to make sure no beer makes it way into the party. Kids can be very sneeky when it comes to smuggling drink in somewhere it's not ment to be. As you said they are a good bunch but I wouldn't blame you wanting to keep an eye on them.

Sue the comforter isn't a bad idea, but she reckons she'll look like a little old granny sitting in her recliner with a blanket wraped around her. Glad to see you are getting better weather all that snow couldn't be good for a person. How did the BBQ sauce turn out?

Well time for bed now, hope everyone is well.

Cynthia and John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 13, 2009, 12:49:51 AM: The BBQ sauce is very yummy....if you wish I'll send you the recipe!!!......Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 13, 2009, 04:05:46 PM: Good to hear from you both. It must have been nice to have an outing. Being house bound can drive you mad too.

The kids are good kids, but I remember the stuff my crowd used to try, so will be keeping an eye on them. Just keeps them on their toes anyway. I just hope the weather is fine enough for it. Not sure where I would put a horde of teenagers in my house! Oh my that's a scary thought!! I already have enough trouble with two of them! ;D ;D

Anyway glad you had a nice dinner a drive. Hope Cynthia's knees are better today.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 13, 2009, 10:37:11 PM: Hi All,

Sue I would love the recipe of your BBQ sauce, i'm getting in to all this cooking stuff so this would be another new recipe to try. Cynthia is actually enjoying my cooking which is great, it means I can spoil her without her pretending the food is good and i'm not afraid of giving her food poisoning.

Milly we had a great day out but Cynthia was a bit on the tired side today as a result of the long day out, maybe it was a bit to much to soon. We were all kids once so we remember the things we got up to when we were teenagers and it makes us more watchfull when it comes to looking out for other teenagers we know what they are going to get up to. I hope the weather stays good for you because i'm sure it would be a hetic day having a crowd of teenagers in the house.

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 14, 2009, 01:50:06 AM: Your wish is my command:

BARBECUE SAUCE: ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D
1 c. catsup
1/2 c. water
1/2 c. cider vinegar
1/3 c. Worcestershire sauce
1/4 c. prepared mustard
1/4 c. butter
1/2 c. firmly packed brown sugar
1 tsp. hot sauce
1/8 tsp. salt
Combine all ingredients in a saucepan, stirring well. Bring to a boil; cover; reduce heat, and simmer 1 hour. Yields 3 cups.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 15, 2009, 05:59:30 PM: Hi,

Sue, John says thanks for the recipe for the Barbecue Sauce. He is to embarrassed to ask what C is for after all the ingredients, but i'm not so i'm asking instead. I was thinking maybe it means cup but John said it's not so to solve the arguement i'm asking. But since he has been getting all the cooking lessons lately I think i'll leave it to him to make the first batch, if it all goes pair shaped for him I might be nice and step in to give a hand.

Hello to everyone else who has been posting. The amount of time I spend online is still being monitered so sorry the posts aren't very long.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: tee1972 on May 15, 2009, 07:39:27 PM: Cynthia,

So glad to see yoru the one posting, how are you feeling ? I had my surgerya week ago and WOW, did not expect this muc trouble, Ive had the flu, Pneumonia. and infec ted insicion. So u arent the only one with rotten luck, but I'm eeling much better , great medication and lots of water adn Ive been uop and around helping the pneumonia to break up and Cough it up .

gotta go my soapopera is coming on at 3:00

talk soon

Much love

tee. Tell John, C does stand for Cup. If the recipe was from the US, C stands for Cup
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 15, 2009, 09:49:02 PM: Hi John and Cynthia

The recipe is Canadian....but C stands for cup! Do recipes in Ireland have ml instead? I oculd do that too.....

It's wonderful to see you posting although we've all got used to hearing from John too....tell him he can't leave us now!! ;D ;D ;D ;D

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 16, 2009, 11:16:17 PM: Hi All,

Sue I couldn't have you thinking I left you all so I decided to post. Glad you clarified what the C was after the ingredients in your recipe, unfortunatly I had to listen to Cynthia telling me that she was right that it was cup. We do use ml in Ireland so I was slightly puzzled when I saw C(well thats my excuse and i'm sticking to it ;D).

Tee, Cynthia is feeling good, she went to bed early because she was feeling a bit tired so i'm catching up on all the posts for her. You sound like you've had a bad couple of weeks. You are lucky you have strong lungs that are able to fight of the pneumonia without having to go into hospital, it's good that you are as you said coughing it up. Hope you enjoyed your soap opera, ye women seem to have a thing for soap operas. How's the knee getting on? Any better yet?

Cynthia had an appointment in the hospital yesterday and we ended up spending most of the day there because they did a load of tests and then we had to wait for the results. The doctor says that everything is going well and is pleased with her progression since he discharged from hospital. He wants to see her again in 2wks time but if she has any problems before then to contact him straight away, Cynthia told him she won't be ringing him because she's not going to have any problems(positive thinking or stubborn side????)

Take Care,
John
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 18, 2009, 02:40:01 PM: Hey John and Cynthia,

Glad the tests came out well. It's good that you expect no problems. Positive thinking is good, but a good dose of stubbon helps sometimes too.

The birthday party went well Saturday. We had kids comming and going from 6 pm until about 11:30 pm. We tried to accomidate the work schedules and choir concert. It made for quite a long day though so Sunday was mostly down time. No problems wth the kids, but didn't expect any. The pinata was fun, but almost got mowed down when they all scrambled after the candy. Don't get between a kid and their candy no matter how old they are. We even managed to allow my son (the younger brother) to attend with out much fuss. If I had not have been there I could not have believed that. All in all a good day. The knee is not happy cause of all the walking on it (we have quite a long backyard, that seemed to get longer with each trip back.), but it should settle soon.

Hope you are both doing well, and wonder if the BBQ sauce was a hit. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 20, 2009, 12:12:20 AM: Hi,

John is in bed early again, these early nights he's having are great for me it gives me a chance to get online with out him knowing how long I spend online. The lady he has coming around when he is at work is really nice, she sits chatting to me most of the time but won't let me lift a finger to do anything around the house. When I asked her if she wanted a cup of tea she nearly rugby tackled me to get to the kettle and told me to sit and relax she said that is what John is paying her for to look after me and get me whatever I need. Ok he's paying her but i'm not some queen sitting on my throne needing to be waited on hand and foot I can do a simple thing like boil a kettle!!! I feel useless just sitting there while she does everything. I have to admire this woman though, her husband died a few months after her youngest was born and she has worked hard to provide them with everything they needed growing up. She has 8 childrern, that was not a typing error she actually has 8 CHILDREN, they are all aged between 20 and 30 and she says they have all done her proud. I take my hat off to her it couldn't have been easy to bring up 8 children on her own.

Milly good to hear the party went well Saturday, pity the poor knee is feeling the effect of it now. I know how you feel with the knee, mine are driving me nuts(hence why i'm still awake) if I could get my hands on a saw right now i'd cut both of them off.
John tried the BBQ sauce but it didn't really turn out like sauce, it's hard to describe what it turned out like but it definitly wasn't sauce. Whenever i'm allowed to use my kitchen again I will show him how to make it and hopefully my attempt will be better(well at least edible).

Hello to everyone else.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 21, 2009, 01:47:17 AM: Hey Cynthia,

Good to read your posts again. Too bad the knees are that bad. I can understand how you feel about not being able to do things for yourself. I am pretty sure putting the kettle on would not be THAT much strain. Now if you have several stairs or some such to your kitchen (which I doubt), it would be a different story. It's nice that you do have someone there to help, even if she mother hens you to death. Wow 8 kids all by herself!! My hat's off to her for sure. There are days I feel like two are too many!

Well maybe once you can get back to some cooking you can try the sauce and maybe see where he might have gone wrong. He does seem to be improving though.

Try not to stay up too long if possible, you still need lots of rest.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 21, 2009, 11:59:02 PM: Hi,

Milly I think we are all in the same boat with the bad knees, hopefully they will improve. John mentioned that you are going to have more surgery soon(well at least I think he said it was you), hopefully your knee responds well to the surgery and it's the last one you will need. Glad you can understand how I feel about not being allowed to do things for myself, I do like my own independence. I know that the lady means well but I think she is taking what John said a little to far, I don't have to climb loads of stairs to get to the kitchen so putting on the kettle isn't going to cause me to much strain.
I will be trying the BBQ sauce recipe as soon as i'm allowed back into my kitchen, and will get John to show me what way he made it to see where he went wrong. You are right he has improved quite a lot in the kitchen, some of the dishes he gives me are very nice. He likes to try out new recipes and it looks like i'm his guinea pig for trying them out.
I'm trying not to stay up to late because I do feel the effects of the late nights the next day, but it's the only time I get to go online without being nagged for spending to long online. I know John is only looking out for me and means well, so I do feel bad sneaking off to use the laptop while he is asleep.
I have one more post to send and then i'm off to bed.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on May 22, 2009, 06:12:29 PM: Hi Cynthia

I would suggest instead of 2 cups of water...cut it back to 1/2 cup of water....that should make a big difference. I usually double the recipe and only use 1/2 the water....mine is quite good....

Well, the weather can't make up it's mind today....it was rainy this morning but now it's sunny and warm...and our pair of cardinals is having a songfest outside my window...I just love listening to them!!!

Wo when will you get more info on what's happening with your knees, Cynthia?

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 22, 2009, 11:24:11 PM: Hi,

Sue i'll try it with your original recipe and if it turns out the same way Johns did then i'll cut it back to 1/2 cup of water. I'm interested to find out where he went wrong because the recipe is straight foward, maybe he just needs a little more practise.

The weather here was a bit like yours, one minute the sun was shining and the next it pouring rain. It must be nice to listen to the cardinals outside your window, we get a few wood pigeons but they like to start singing at about 5am much to Johns annoyance.

I'm waiting on the OS to get in touch with me to see what he is going to do with my knees, the last time I saw him he said he wanted to do more surgery but to be honest I don't remember what he said because I was out of it on medication. I think John told him that he would prefer if they waited until I was back to full health before they decided to do anything. I must get in touch with him on Monday to arrange an appointment because the pain is really starting to limit what I can do, and if I can't do all the exercises I was given by my physio I will find it hard to regain full strength. I am used to having pain in my knees but since I had the Lateral Release done last year the pain has got 10 times worse. Before I had the LR done I was convinced my right knee was back to normal, but since getting the LR done the pain has returned with vengence in the right knee also. I was thinking it was because I was putting so much pressure on it due to the LR not going to plan and me not being able to put full weight on the left knee. The last MRI scan I had showed that the lateral ligament in my left knee was in a bad way(can't remember what medical term the doc put on it) there was also a lot of effusion in the joint and there was condral defect of the femoral condyle(what ever that is) he listed a few other things. The right knee had a lot of effusion and had thining of the weight bearing cartilage and showed that I had Chondromalacia Patella and a few other things. To be honest a lot of what he said that day went right over my head I wasn't really in the right frame of mind to be listening to him.
So it's anyones guess what he can do for me, but hopefully he can do something because i'm not prepared to spend the rest of my life living with this kind of pain daily.

Ok sorry about the little rant about the knees there, but I just get fustrated with them sometimes. John sends his love to you all, he is missing his little chats with all of you.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 27, 2009, 03:33:20 PM: Hi Cynthia,

Good to hear you are mostly feeling ok (knees not incl.). Yes I am going in for more surgery. If it works well enough on the left knee, then the right will be done next year in the spring. I would wait at least 6 months before a 2nd surgery anyway and they would bring me to winter time. Crutches and snow really don't go too well for me. Managed it once when I was in college (I was 19 then) and really hated it then. Can't even think about it now. Gives me the willies. I sure hope your OS can give you an idea of what may be done for you. I can understand how things don't stick when you are on pain meds. I had the same problem many years ago after getting my wisdom teeth removed. I remember something about a video that was to have after care instructions, but just remember that I saw a video!! Thank goodness someone had sense enough to have handouts I could take home! Too bad they don't do that for knee surgery eh? I try to get the doc to jot a few notes for me even if my hubby is there (love him to death, but all that medical stuff just goes right on through with no stops on the way.). I send notes with the kids to the doc too, so I can get a real answer. I usually try to have list of questions that they can jot answers to afterward. Helps me a bunch. Goodness knows I don't remember half of what they say with all the anesthesia and pain meds. Good luck with getting your OS appointment scheduled. It will probably be a good idea to make sure you are well enough for any surgery. Maybe get the surgeon who worked on you in hospital on the phone and in touch with your OS.

Anyway think I rambled a bit there...Had a great week last week and got to work every day. then it rained yesterday and stayed in bed most of the day as walking was a nightmare (even with the pain meds :'(). Still not so good today, but had to get back into work.

Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 27, 2009, 11:37:59 PM: Hi Milly,

Sorry to hear your knee is not so good, it must be the time of year for them to drive us all nuts. I hope your surgery goes well on the left knee and that the result will be that you won't need any futher treatment to it afterwards. I would agree with you that crutches and snow are not a very good combination, thankfully our winters are a little milder than yours and we don't experience as much snow so if it ended up that I had to have surgery in the winter I wouldn't have to worry about to much snow fall. I still don't know wheter or not to have the surgery for both knees done at the same time. The OS was ment to give me a call today but he never did, either he forgot about me or he was just very busy. I will give him until the end of the week to get back to me and if he doesn't I will ring him next week. I think I will do what you said and get the surgeon who looked after me when I was in hospital to get in touch with my OS and let them decide between them when would be best to do the surgery.
I tried a bit of accupuncture today on the advise of a couple of other kneegeeks. I was a bit wary of going but as they said to me I had nothing to lose(apart from money). I found the experience very relaxing, I thought it would be painful getting all those needles stuck in me but it was painless and it gave me some relief. I still have pain in my knees but it isn't as intense as it was. So i'm hoping with a few more sessions that it may make my pain more managable. Maybe you should give it a try, it might help with the pain a bit.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 28, 2009, 03:48:19 PM: Cynthia,

Yeah think this time of year can be bad as it's usually damp. I hope your OS gets in touch this week. I'm not sure if I woud do both knees at once again, but it maybe that is a better option for you. At least it's only one time under anesthesia. Glad the acupuncture worked for you. It sure sounds like an idea. Just have to find one at a reasonable cost. I'm pretty sure the insurance won't pay so I'll have to. The next school year will be my daugher's last before university, and it is always expensive. Special pictures, a graduation party, the cap, gown and invites. EEKK! It's been a rough couple of years for her so she deserves the party. So next June will be the big party for her. I'll also have two high school kids next year. The youngest moves up to the "big" school. Wonder how that will work out for them? ;D They should be fine, the school is big enough, they should see little of each other, so not much fighting. LOL Just regular sibling stuff, thank goodness.

Well got to go fix a PC here.

Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 28, 2009, 11:34:24 PM: Hi Milly,

I hope my OS gets in touch this week to, he forgets sometimes that he has told people he will get in touch with them but then again if I was as busy as he is i'd be forgetting things also. I'm still not sure about getting both knees done at the same time, it would be good to get the two done and have it over and done with but i'd say the recovery would be slightly slower. I will have to wait and see what the OS and the surgeon who looked after me in the hospital have to say, they might think it better to do one at a time. My health insurance doesn't cover accupuncture but I found one that very reasonable. School years are always expensive or so my mum and dad used to tell me, so when I left school before I was ment to I told them that I was saving them money giving up school. You sound like you have a busy year ahead of you with the youngest starting high school also. I'm sure that with all the sibling rivalry that goes on between them they will be fine and will look out for each other at school.
Hope you managed to fix the PC.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on May 29, 2009, 01:29:54 PM: Yeah the school years tend to leave Mom and Dad a bit short, but well worth it. The two of them do look out for each other pretty well. You would not know it to watch them at home, but let anyone from outside try to hurt one of them and the other is right there to back up there sib.

I hope you hear from the OS soon. You may be right about taking each knee one at a time. Hope today is a better knee day for you.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on May 29, 2009, 11:19:23 PM: Milly

You're right, you can always depend on a sibling to back you up when you need help. I can say mine has always been there when needed and vice versa.

I hope I hear from my OS soon also. Today wasn't to bad of a knee day well that was until I decided to go into town for the afternoon(mental note to myself when the knee is bad don't walk around all evening on it). We had a fab day here today, the sun was shining and it was really hot. Us people here aren't used to this kind of weather it's either raining or dull and dreary, so with a bit of luck the sun will stay for a while.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 01, 2009, 07:49:21 PM: Cynthia,

I know what you mean by walking around on a bad knee all day or night. I actually had a nice day yesterday. Knee was actually very well behaved (then it started to rain at 4am and it woke me up, but hey..). I went to a ren faire about two hours from home. Walking the uneven ground and the car ride both ways was only a bit uncomfortable. Certainly better than a day at work, but at work I have AC blasting on the knees all day. It was nice, not too hot and not too cold, not many bugs to bite and a fun time.

I think we are on a similar lattitude actually. I know that when my mom moved out to Los Angeles for a while she thought it was too darn sunny. We get sun (esp in summer), but we have a goodly portion of gloom and rain. Which I like in spite of the pain in the knees. Not really sure why, but like my mom too much sun drives me crazy. Might be because my eyes are pretty sensitive to light.

Anyhow hope you hear from your OS soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 01, 2009, 11:30:22 PM: Hi,

Milly,
Glad you had a good day out, pity about the car journey and the walk on uneven ground but hey definitly better than a day at work. Glad
there wasn't to many bugs..I don't do bugs they freak me out. I know i'm about 100 times their size but and it should be them afraid of me but it doesn't work that way.

We have had fantastic weather the last few days, it might be a little on the hot side but it's good to see the sun so I won't complain. Thankfully the sun doesn't effect my eyes they are not sensitive to light. Will let you know if the OS contacts me.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 08, 2009, 06:01:21 PM: Hi Cynthia,

Just wondering if you have heard anything. I still don't like bugs myself, but have stopped freaking out about them. When dad's not home someone needs to take care of the bad buggies for the kids. Glad the weather has been warm, even if it only lasts a little while.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 08, 2009, 11:53:25 PM: Hi

Milly still haven't heard anything, i've also had a set back in the old knee department. I was getting out of bed one of the mornings last week and what ever way I planted my foot on the ground I ended up sitting back on the bed in a lot of pain and the knee swelled up to the size of a balloon. I had to ring mum to come over and help me down the stairs as John was working and I didn't want to be ringing him because I knew he would panic. The pain was really bad and after constant nagging from my mum and John I gave in and went to a&e, the doc there did a scan and said I had a grade 3 LCL tear which would require surgery to repair it. I told him the name of the OS who was looking after me and he said he would foward copies of the scans and the reports he did and would leave it to him to decide what route best to take. So i'm stuck in the house again with a brace on my knee feeling sorry for myself :'(.
Anyway there is nothing I can do about it apart from wait and see what the OS has to say(when ever he sends me an appointment).
The good weather lasted a week, we are back to cold weather again but at least it's dry so that's something.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 09, 2009, 03:09:18 PM: Oh Honey,

I am so sorry about the LCL thing. What more is there eh? I suppose they at least have to go in and do something. I hope your OS can figure something out for you. Do you have crutches or something so you can at least go out the front door? I sure hope the pain is better today. I'm about the same here. Grey and rainy, then sunny and humid. Been doing that for about 3 days. Either way the old knees don't like the dampness one bit. Hang in there.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 09, 2009, 11:32:52 PM: Hi

Milly there couldn't possibily be any more. I hope the OS gets in touch with me soon and that we get this whole thing sorted out once and for all. I do have crutches so i'm lucky I can go out the front door, but unfortunatly I can't go much futher than that. I thought I had regained a lot of my strength back but in fact I hadn't, I get so tired trying to drag myself around on the crutches and haven't as much strength in my arms to hold myself up for very long on the crutches. The pain is still much the same but it's bearable so that's not so bad. Can't wait to get everything back to normal so I can start to live my life again.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 11, 2009, 01:53:00 PM: Well I'm sending a big (((hug))) your way. I certainly hope they can at least let you know where you stand (or sit as the case may be). It is exhausting on crutches when you are fairly haie and whole, so I can imagine you get pooped out after a short time. Feel better and you can post to vent anytime.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 11, 2009, 11:28:27 PM: Hi,

Milly thanks for the hug it's welcomed with open arms. I'm going to give the OS until Monday to get back to me and if he doesn't i'll be calling him looking for answers. I'm usually quite laid back and would wait for someone to contact me but when i'm in this much pain and can't get around very well I tend to get very cranky and another side of me shows, and the poor unfortunate OS is going to be at the brunt of my bad mood if he doesn't make contact soon. Anyway I think he's had long enough to decide what he is going to do for me.
You are right about the crutches, if I try to walk down to the corner shop i'm exhausted and the shop is only 5mins away from the house. I did that trip today and needed to lie down when I got home.
On a good note I had a visit from they guys I work with and they lifted my spirits quite a bit. They filled me in with all the gossip that has been going on since i've been off, and boy was there a lot of it. It was great to see them and next time they come they said they'd bring the treats so I don't have to make the trip to the shops before they come.

Thanks for listening to me venting all the time but it does feel good to let it all out.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 12, 2009, 12:55:39 AM: Everyone needs an ear to fill once in a while. I think you have the right idea. I am not always that aggressive with these things either, unless it's for my kids. But I have had to be more on top of it for these knees.

Glad you had a nice visit with your mates from work. It is good to just sit and have a good gossip isn't it?

Well it's rather rainy and damp so my knees are being extra naughty, so I'm off to lay on the couch and straighten them out.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 12, 2009, 09:52:50 PM: Hope the knee is feeling a bit better tonight. It's awful how the different types of weather effect the knees. If I had kids I would be like you, i'd fight to the end of the earth for them but when it comes to myself I sit back and wait for things to happen.
You're right it good to gossip, it does wonders for the soul. I rang my OS today and guess what he's on holidays so i'm going to have to wait until monday to get in contact with him.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: sjelliott on June 22, 2009, 10:29:32 PM: i had a l in 2004 and my knee has never been the same, All i can say i have tried every type of therapy and i now have insoles for my shoes which i cant be without i still have a limp. And pain every day i think i have a nerve which is scared up. I will be seeing a nurologist in a few weeks. All i can say is thoughs who think an lr is going to sort thir problems think again.
I also have metal left in my knee from the arthroscopy scope apparently this is common.good luck ;D >:(
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 23, 2009, 12:01:30 AM: Hi,

Sjelliott, Sorry to hear you had such a bad time after having your LR. Like you my knee has not been the same since having it done and if anything it has steadily got worse. Were you told when you were having arthroscope that they were going to preform a lateral release? I was told when I was having my arthroscope that he was just going in for a look to see what was going on and to trim away the torn bit of cartlidge, but when I came back form surgery the OS told me he had preformed an LR and to be honest my first reaction was why as I didn't have a problem with my knee dislocating but since having it done I have had nothing but problems in that department. If I was told by my OS before my surgery what he intended on doing I would have done a bit of research and have been able to ask the surgeon what benefits I would get from it. If I was given the chance again I would never have had the surgery done. I'm only hoping now that my new OS is able to come up with something that can give me some quality of life back.
How did they manage to leave metal in your knee after the arthroscope, I would think this is rare rather than common, OMG this could have caused you serious problems, not least a terrible infection. Is there anything they can do for you to relieve the pain that you are in, I know you are saying that you are going to see a nurologist in a few weeks but is he/she going to do more surgery to relieve your symptoms.
Good luck with your appointment. I am still waiting for word from my OS he says he needs a little more time to figure out what way to take things, he says he is consulting with other OS's in his hospital and will be in contact with me soon, so I guess it's just a waiting game for me at the minute.

Take care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 23, 2009, 03:48:19 AM: Hi Cynthia,

Glad the OS at least got back to you. He is checking out what may be best for you and that is a good thing. I hope you have an answer soon.

Sjelliott - I too had a LR that I was not prepared for. I've had two prior, one each knee, and they helped a bit, but did not last more than 8 or so years. The last one I would have refused had I known one was in the offing. I hope the nerologist can help you. I am not sure about the metal being left behind, but you may need to have that washed out or something. It can't be good to leave it there. Maybe that's part of the trouble. I certainly hope you can get it figured out and get some relief soon. Take care and let us know how the appt goes.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 24, 2009, 12:26:22 AM: Hi,

Milly, I suppose it's good in a way that the OS finally got in contact with me at least I know now that he hasn't forgotten about me. I only hope that he hurrys up and come up with a plan soon because my pain treshold is good but this pain is starting to get on my nerves.
How is your knee getting on? Aren't you due to have surgery soon?

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 24, 2009, 08:12:47 PM: Cynthia,

Yeah I want to schedule for the last week in July. I am having trouble getting the scheduler to call me back. I've been leaving messages at least once a week for the past three weeks. The bad part is, she is only there two days a week and she is out tomorrow (one of her ususal days). I think I am going to call and see if anyone else can assist. At least find out why I am not getting calls returned.

We have been having very hot, humid weather. Not very knee friendly at all. I hope your OS gets back to you soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 25, 2009, 12:09:47 AM: Milly,

The end of July is not to far away, I hope all goes well for you. It's a bit of a pain in the bottom that the scheduler hasn't called you back, the least she could do was ring you to acknowledge that she recieved you message and to let you know she would make contact with you regarding a date as soon as possible. I think you're right to ring and try to speak to someone else, if anything just to see why nobody has returned your calls.

Like you we have had very hot weather today, although it's not very knee friendly it's good to see the sun as we don't see it very often.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 25, 2009, 03:14:21 PM: Cynthia,

Yeah a bit peeved no one has called back. Even to say we will get back with a date. So I'll see where I get today. Hope you are doing better today knee wise.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 27, 2009, 12:16:17 AM: Hi,

Milly any word on the operation yet, how did you get on when you rang?

I had to go to the doctor yesterday, I have another chest infection and a throat infection.I didn't think I would get another one so soon after the last one and I definitly don't want to go through nor do I want to put anyone through what I went through the last time. I feel 100 times worse today than I did yesterday, I woke this morning and felt as sick as a small hospital(that's a saying we have round here) and had absolutly no energy. Under instruction from the ladies staying with me at the min I stayed in bed for most of the day and if i'm honest I wasn't really able to get out of the bed so they had no problem getting me to stay there. I think the fact that it was so warm and humid today made everything seem a lot worse, well the breathing end of things anyway. I got up for a while this evening and sat out the back garden for a while don't know if this was a wise thing to do but I needed some fresh air. It's a good job John isn't here or he'd have me driven mad about going to the hospital. The doctor gave me an antibiotic called cipro, they aren't agreeing with me very well :'(but i'll put up with the side effects as long as they get rid of the infection. The knees are quite painfull but they are getting the rest they need at the minute.

Don't know if I told you John is away for a minimum of 2wks but it could be a month before he gets back. He is on some under cover job for work in another town. I'm missing him like crazy as we aren't able to contact each other. There are 2 other guys from Johns station with him and we are good friends with them and their wives so their wives are staying at our house while they are away. We usually go to each others houses when the boys are away like that, so they said to make it easier for me they would stay in ours this time.

Well that's all from me now i'm so tired and this weather is making my breathing twice as hard so i'm getting tired even quicker.

Cynthia xx
Hope you have a good weekend.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on June 27, 2009, 05:39:28 AM: Cynthia....

Sorry you arent feeling well. I hope the medicine kicks in real soon and that you can fight off this infection soon. Please take care of yourself. Dont over do.

Im doing ok. Starting PT on Monday. Getting better slowly but surely.

Take care and Ill check back soon.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 27, 2009, 06:18:22 PM: Hi Donna,

Good to hear from you. I'm glad to see that you are getting better albeit slowly but you'll get there eventually. I'm sure you are looking foward to starting PT :o, but if you are anything like me you won't be looking foward to it very much.

I hope the medicine kicks in soon also because i'm really feeling crap. Don't worry i'll look after myself and there's no chance of me over doing it.

Hope all goes well for you on monday.

Take Care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 29, 2009, 01:50:29 PM: Cynthia,

I at least got to talk to a person. Dr.’s secretary found out that between the scheduler and doc having vacation my letter was delayed. She agreed that someone should have called and let me know what the hold up was. I believe I am scheduled July 30, but may have asked for July 27. Either date is fine by me.

I sure hope you get over this new infection. I hope for John’s sake they don’t tell him, not that he should not know of course, just thinking of how distracted he would be. At least you have the other gals there to look out for you and keep you company. Don’t let things get too out of hand though and go to hospital if you need it. I don’t blame you for not wanting to go back, but if it’s not feeling better in a few days get on the phone to the doc and go in if necessary. Okay I’ll stop preaching now. Rest and feel better soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 29, 2009, 11:13:11 PM: Hi Milly,

Good to hear you finally got to speak to someone about your surgery, but at least you have some idea now of when your surgery is scheduled. Those 2 dates you mentioned aren't to far away so at least you don't have to wait to long until you get things sorted out.

I had to go to the hospital a couple of days ago, it was a hard for me to give in and say that I needed help but I did it and am glaad I did now. I started to get a pain in my chest and was feeling really unwell so I thought if I took a few pain killers and went to bed for a while that the pain would go away unfortunatly when I woke up from the nap the pain was still there so I had to ask the girls staying with me would they bring me to the hospital. They gave me a big lecture on the way to the hospital because I didn't tell them sooner that I had chest pain, I told them I honestly thought the pain killers would have gotten rid of it and that is why I didn't say anything sooner. When we got to the hospital I was seen straight away which was quite a surprise as I thought we'd have to wait ages to be seen. I was told that my heart was beating fast because of the infection and this is what was causing my chest pain. I was admitted and put on IV antibiotics so they could get to the infection quicker. I am starting to feel better now so hopefully I will be home in the next couple of days.
I know no one will tell John while he's away so that's a good thing he won't be worrying and will be able to keep his mind on the job he has to do. I will tell him when he comes home and I can just imagine his reaction. The girls have been great they are calling in to see me 2 or 3 times a day and are keeping me from going mad, at least they brought the laptop in to me. It was easier to get them to bring it in than it would have been if I asked John.

One more post to send and then i'm off to sleep.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on June 30, 2009, 03:41:38 PM: Cynthia,

Glad you are starting to feel better. I am glad there was someone to take you to the hospital when you needed it. Take care and get well.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on June 30, 2009, 11:48:27 PM: Milly,

After the last episode I have learned not to let things go to far and to get them early to avoid a repeat of before. I'm glad that I went and got the help I needed as i'm feeling so much better today and I might be getting home tomorrow or Thursday.

Hope you are keeping well

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 01, 2009, 02:29:34 PM: Glad to hear you are feeling better now. Hope you are home by the end of the week.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 01, 2009, 11:29:41 PM: Feeling much better and will feel even better tomorrow as i'm getting home ;D ;D ;D ;D ;D

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 02, 2009, 04:15:27 PM: Cynthia,

Hope you are fine and home now.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 02, 2009, 10:56:47 PM: Milly,

I'm out of hospital and feeling ok. I was up early this morning waiting for the doc to come and discharge me, and the one morning i'm waiting to get out he does his ward round late it was lunchtime when he came around. So after he checked me over and the nurses did the discharge papers I was allowed to go home. I'm feeling much better now and have been given a course of antibiotics and steroids to take at home.
I had a nice surprise when I got home. We were just back at the house about 10mins when a knock came to the door, I opened the door and there was a guy standing there with a big bunch of flowers. Johns sent them to me. I thought it was really sweet he wrote in the card that he was missing me loads and seen as he couldn't contact me on the phone he thought he would send me flowers just so I know he is thinking of me. The flowers are really nice but I have to keep them in another room because they make me sneeze :'(.

Hope you are keeping well.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 04, 2009, 07:08:03 PM: Cynthia,

Glad you are home and feeling better. Too bad the flowers are making you sneeze. :(. Not doing too bad, just waiting for my letter from the docs office. I need to send back the consent to treat form and send my disability papers to them so they can fill them out for work. Hope I am only off for the three weeks so I am not off too long with out pay. I will take whatever time I need though. Just wondering if it really is July. It's been feeling more like fall today. It is supposed to be a holiday here, but it's pretty gray and bleak today. Maybe we can do some fireworks early then, since we can see them so well in the gloom. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 04, 2009, 07:16:22 PM: Happy 4th of July Milly, hope you enjoy your fireworks.

Sorry this is such a short post but John is after walking in the door and I was expecting him back until next week. Will catch up with you later.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on July 05, 2009, 05:50:14 PM: So glad you are ok and feeling better, Cynthia. You need to find another spot to 'vacation' other than that hospital. Lol.....Take care, and know I am always thinking of you.

DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 06, 2009, 02:36:20 PM: Cynthia,

We did have a nice 4th. We had a cookout at my in-laws. My youngest neice stayed the night at our house, so we played games for a bit and watched some fire works in the back yard. So pretty nice.

Glad John is home. Take care both of you.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 06, 2009, 11:42:16 PM: Hi,

Milly glad to hear you had a good 4th of July. The cookout sounds like good fun. It sounds like you had a pretty chilled out evening, and I bet your niece enjoyed playing games and the fire works. It's so good to have John back home again, I missed him loads and I hope it is a very long time before he has to go away like that again. I hope you are keeping well and the knee is behaving itself.

Donna I think I definitly need to find a better place to take a vacation, I can think of one or two places that i'd prefer to be. How are you getting on since your surgery. I hope that you have got the pain under control and that the physio is not to painfull. I too am always thinking of you and hope that you and your family are keeping well.

Take Care,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 07, 2009, 03:52:55 PM: Cynthia,

The knee would be happier had I not banged it on the floor. We have a singe step up into our dining room and it is hardwood. I slipped off with the right foot and bam! down I went and smacked the knee on the floor. It is not too happy at the momenet. I iced right away and put it up, but I think it will be irritated for a while.

Will post more later, just got terribly busy at work.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 08, 2009, 12:32:37 AM: Milly,

Oh poor you, as if the knee wasn't bad enough with out that happening. That's all you needed. I do hope it settles down for you, make sure you rest it as much as you can and ice when possible(as if you need to be told ;D). I think you are right, it will probably be irritated for a while but hopefully not to long.
Take it easy at work and don't be over doing things.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on July 08, 2009, 06:53:19 AM: Cynthia....I bet you are happy John is home!! ;D :) You seem to be feeling better. Do you have alot of allergies that trigger your asthma and cause you lots of problems?? I was just wondering. My allergies (environmental, some animals, some foods, dust, molds, nickel....you name it) are very bad. I tried allergy shots, and had all kinds of problems. They would throw me into an asthma attack, even with them diluting the antigen. Then, after I have an attack, I end up with a chest cold. Ive been hospitalized many times with asthmatic bronchitis. Now that I am on advair, I am doing soooo much better. I have a nebulizer here too in case I need it. I do find that stress is a big trigger of my asthma too. I dont wish it on anybody. Im just glad that you are feeling better. :)

Im doing ok. My knee isnt feeling too bad. The pain isnt real bad either. My leg, however, is very weak. I get pain in my hip and my foot. Hoping this goes away. Also get pain sometimes just touching the skin on my knee. They say this is nerve damage and have given me a medicine for it. I go to PT 3 times per week. Most of my exercises are table exercises right now, with the exception of the leg press. Its just going to take time and I have to realize that Ill never be 100%. Thanks for always caring. It means more than you know.

Hope you guys enjoy the rest of the week and have fun catching up from when John was away!! :-* :-* That's always fun!! ;)

hugs....DONNA
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 08, 2009, 03:03:38 PM: Cynthia,

I've been trying to be good. I did help my mom rearrage her living room in her new appartment. A friend of my mom's came with her husband and moved the furniture. so did not carry any. Just moved it about to get it right for mom. Knees about usual so I guess no real harm done there. Got a really cool bruise on it though. It only hurts there when I poke at it, so I don't poke at it.

No work yet from your OS? I wonder what kind of plan he will come up with for you. I am sure both docs want you as strong as possible before anymore surgery though. It's hard to wait when it hurts though, I know.

Take care, tell John hello.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 10, 2009, 12:40:35 AM: Hi,

Milly still no word back from my OS, i'm kind of hoping he will be in contact soon as I don't want to be ringing him again pestering him. He'll think i'm a moaner if i'm the one that keeps contacting him. I know my G.P has been in contact with his office for updates but i'm not sure if he has recieved any news back, i'm assuming he hasn't because if he had i'm sure he would have passed any information on to me. Glad to see you are at least trying to be good, although I wouldn't say rearranging your mothers new appartment is good for the knee :-\. I bet that bruise hurts a lot and I think you're right poking it isn't the best thing to be doing to it.

Donna i'm so happy to have John back and I actually started to feel even better when he came back. Like you i've plenty of allergies that trigger the asthma off Cats, Dogs, Horses, Dust, Spicy Food(which I love), some cleaning fluids, aerosols and plenty more. Allergy shots seem to be a waste of time, sometimes they end up bringing on symptoms. Is Advair the same as Seretide, i'm on Seretide 500 2puffs twice a day i've been on this for the last few years, but since i've been in hospital they have increased the dose from 250 one puff twice daily to the 500 2puffs twice daily. I have noticed some change since the dose was increased so fingers crossed it will keep things ticking over nicely. Like you I have a nebuliser at home, at the minute i'm using it maybe 3 times a day but usually it would just be when I need it. I agree with you that stress is a big factor in triggering off attacks, so I try to avoid getting stressed out but sometimes it's unavoidable.
Glad to hear your knee isn't feeling to bad and that the pain has eased off. I'm sure it is going to take a while for you to regain back the power and movement you used to have in the leg, but give it time and i'm sure it will improve.I'm so gald that you are improving.

John says hello to you both and says he will enjoy the rest of his time off and all the catching up.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 10, 2009, 05:45:33 PM: Cynthia,

Sorry that the OS has not gotten back to you yet. When is the last time you heard from him? If its' been a few weeks that I think you could safely call back and see what's up. I don't like feeling like a pest either, so I can undstand not wanting to pester him.

The furnature moving did not seem to really cause any worse pain, so think I got off lucky with that. My hubby and his buddy brought her bed and TV over last night. I did not do any lifting or anything. I just put a few clothes in the closet for her and put up her shower curtain. So was much better this time. Now all she needs to do is get the Goodwill people to come get her unwanted furnature. I at least got an exercise bike out of the deal. Mom could not fit it in her new place, so I bought it from her.

Well best get going for now. Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 10, 2009, 11:50:46 PM: Milly,

Glad to hear you didn't go mad dragging furnautre around the place, at least you got help in for that as i'm sure you'd feel the effects of heavy lifing in your knee. Nice that you managed to get an exercise bike out of the move. The bike is great for the knee, well when it's not to painfull to use it.

I haven't heard anything from my OS in about 3wks, so I suppose it wouldn't hurt to make a call on Monday to make sure he hasn't forgotten about me. I really don't like to pester him but my knee isn't getting any easier to live with and i'd rather get the surgery out of the way sooner rather than later.

Hope you have a good weekend. Take care and look after your knee.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 13, 2009, 02:30:06 PM: Cynthia,

Sounds like a good idea to call. Let me know if you get any new information. Hope your knees are behaving today.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 14, 2009, 12:21:00 AM: Milly,

I rang the OS this afternoon and got his secretary. I explained to her how my knees have been and the pain that I have been having. She told me that he has to consult with another of his colleagues about what he is going to do with my knees, it doesn't fill me with confidence that he has to get help from another OS as to what he is going to do but then again he could be just running his plan past another OS to see if they could have a better input. His secretary said when he was finished in his clinic she would get him to give me a call, but it looks like she either forgot to tell him that I called or else he just forgot to ring me, either way i'm still none the wiser as to what is happening and am getting a little fustrated.
The knees aren't behaving themselves today, i'm assuming the weather isn't helping much but there is only so much pain a person can take. I'm just thinking why have I been cursed with these dodgy knees. Sorry having a bit of a moan I know everyone here is in the same boat.

I hope your knee has settled down after your fall.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 14, 2009, 01:59:35 AM: Cynthia,

Too bad you are not wiser. I guess you can give him a couple of days and then give him another call back. Not knowing is very frusterating. The weather really does not help for sure. Hope you feel better soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on July 14, 2009, 02:24:35 AM: Cynthia, I feel your pain. We have all felt that way at some point.

My friend Suzanne said to me the other day that she wondered why she'd been cursed with a bad back. My poor husband suffers from migraines and has often said he'd like to cut off his head! We all have something; ours just happens to be dodgy knees. Mine aren't behaving either: I see my OS on Wednesday!

Chin up....I hope that you feel better soon and that you will hear from your OS soon too...

Sue#2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 15, 2009, 12:04:57 AM: Hi,

Milly the weather is definitly not helping matters much but unfortunatly there isn't a lot we can do about mother nature. I was a bit annoyed the OS didn't ring back yesterday, it gets to me when I don't know what's going on I hate being left in the dark, as you said it is very fustrating.

Sue i'm propping my chin up with the crutch, if I didn't have the crutches i'd definitly be going mad I wouldn't be able to get around at all. You are right other people have problems which aren't knees and I suppose in a way we are lucky it's dodgy knees we have at least we can get something done with them, but in your poor husbands case there isn't a lot you can do for a migraine. Sorry to hear your knees aren't behaving either, good luck with the OS appointment hopefully he will be able to do something for you.

I was going to contact the OS again today because the knees are still no better. In the end I didn't contact him because I didn't want him to think I was nagging him, but then on the other hand is it to much to ask for him to get back in contact with me just to let me know what he intends to do and when. At least if I knew what he was going to do and when it would make living with the pain a little easier because i'd know something was going to be done about it in the near future.
Anyway i'm going to try and not let it get to me because it is only depressing me thinking about it all the time. John has been a great help around the house and he is keeping me from going mad.

I hope you are both keeping well and good luck Sue with the appointment on Wedneday.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 23, 2009, 12:03:09 AM: Hi

Well i'm a bit down in the dumps today :'(. I was ringing my OS everyday since Monday to see what was going to happen and if he had thougt any futher about a surgery date for me, I never actually got to speak to him and his secretary just kept taking messages saying I had called.
This morning I recieved a letter from my OS, at first when I seen the envelope and saw the stamp from his clinic on it I thought finally my OS has an answer for me and a date for my surgery but on opening the letter I soon found out this was not to be. He wrote:

I have been reviewing your x-rays and scans as we had discussed when I spoke with you last. I have had several opinions regarding these. Essentially the overall consensus is that it is doubtful wheter futher surgery would be of benefit to you. The images show reasonable alignment of the joints and particularly the kneecaps but there is severe inflammation in the tendons connected to the kneecap. Given the fact that you have had multiple arthroscopic surgeries for these with appreciable benefit, a futher surgery of this type would not be expected to yield a different result. Based on all the imaging that we have more extensive surgery of the type which I had discussed with you would not have a reliably good chance of giving you any significant benefit. The overall advice from both myself and other experts I have consulted on this therefore would be to continue on with physiotherapy directed specifically at the quadriceps and patellofemoral or kneecap joint and also with medications as required. If you would like to see any other specialist or surgeon with regards to futher opinions on this , I would be more than happy to arrange for same at your request.

To say I was a little upset on recieving this letter would be an under statement, when I met with the OS a number of months ago he told me there was loads he could do for me and would more than likely preform a combination of athroscopic and open surgery. I was a bit taken back by him now saying that he thought I would get little benefit from futher surgery after him telling me that futher surgery would most likely be the way he would be going. Don't get me wrong part of me is relieved that I don't have go through yet another surgery, and yet there is another part of me feeling very let down by the OS. Am I to live the rest of my life with constant pain in my knees and be told that there is nothing that can be done for me. I have yet to tell John that I have recieved this letter because I know he be really angry with the OS as John was with me and heard all the promises that the OS made to me.
I was hoping that I would have had the surgery over me by the end of this year and was looking foward to getting back to playing soccer again, and for all those people who know me so well will know how much I loved playing soccer. So to be told this has really shattered any hope I had of ever playing again. I had also planned on training either as a nurse or a paramedic, I know now that I will never be able to either of these as nursing requires you to be on your feet most of the day and being a paramedic would involve a lot of heavy lifting both of which are a big no no at present with the way the knees are and i'm not sure if they are going to improve enough for me to go into either job.
I rang my GP this morning when I recieved this letter to let her know that I finally had contact with the OS, the GP was quite shocked with the letter. She told me she would arrange an appointment with a pain specialist to see if he/she could do anything for me in this department. My only fear is that if the pain specialist does manage to get me pain free and gets me back doing the things I used to do that I will be doing futher damage to my knees and have no idea that I am doing any harm because the specialist will have the pain under control. Mind you I wouldn't have any problem with being pain free so long as I wouldn't be causing anymore damage.

I'm feel so bad today and i'm sure John is wondering what is wrong with me. I keep thinking what if the pain specialist can do nothing for me. I just feel like there is no point in carrying on if I have to give up doing the things I love and live in constant pain for the rest of my life.
Sorry for posting such a depressing post and moaning so much but this is truly how I feel today.

I hope everyone is keeping well
Cynthia

PS Milly your surgery must be coming up soon, I hope all goes well for you.
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 24, 2009, 09:21:22 PM: Cynthia,

Here are a load of hugs comming your way. What a tough thing to hear. At least he did say he would be happy to help arrange it for you to see another OS. Maybe check with your GP and see if she has any other suggestions. Is your current OS a patellofemoral specialist? I know they are few and far between. I was thrilled to find one only two hours away. I think it was well worth my trip. I would say give yourself some time to absorb this, talk it over with John, then start looking into other specialists. It may take a bit of researching etc, but there should be some kind of solution for you. It cannot hurt to check with a pain specialist, you need to live too, and that is diffucult to do with too much pain. At least you can try to get more comfortable. I can certainly appreciate how you feel. I played a bit of soccer myself and liked to have a pick up game with the kids (and the dog, he's actually pretty good at stealing the ball). I can't even run out of the way of an incomming bus at this point. When I discovered that I could not run anymore I was devistated. I cried for a few days and then off and on for a while. It hurts like someone has died. It is very difficult. However, you can keep hoping until you have exhausted all the specialists with in reach. So you always have my shoulder to cry on, even if it is thousands of miles away.

Try to keep your chin up though. You should have seen me try to "jog" between buildings to keep out of the rain the other day. Whew, it looked so sad. Hop, hop, hop, shuffle, hop....I made to the next building but ... was that a mistake, should have just got wet the knee would have been happier! Must have been quite a sight to see though!

Surgery is Aug 5. So not long now. I am trying to tie up things at work and at home. This weekend will be showing the kids how to do laundry. I will be labeling my sorting baskets in the laundry room and typing some instructions to pin up down there. Hopefully we won't have any mishaps like last surgery. I had a pale blue shirt, now it's white!

Take care.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 25, 2009, 03:20:32 PM: Milly,

Thanks for the hugs, much appreciated. I don't think the current OS was a patellofemoral specialist, i'd say i'd have to do a bit of research to find a good one of them over here. I will be contacting my GP on monday morning to arrange appointments with new OS, and will be telling him I will travel where ever I need to so I can get things sorted out once and for all.
We rang the pain specialist yesterday and got her voice mail, I was stunned by the message which was on it, " Due to the recession there will be no pain specialist available until the end of september". I thought this was a joke but apparently with all the cut backs in the health service due to the recession they are unable to hire a new one to help with the back log of patients and there is only one pain specialist to cover the whole county so I can appreciate how busy she is and she deserves the holiday she is on at the minute.

I'm begining to feel a little better and am not as down as I have been over the last couple of days. The knees are still causing me a lot of pain and keeping me awake at night, but I guess i'm just going to have to live with it until I can find someone who can help me.
I'm off now to take some pain killers and they will more than likely knock me out for a couple of hours, so I will post more later.
I wish you the best of luck with your surgery and hope everything goes well for you, you won't find the 5th of August creeping up on you.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 28, 2009, 09:35:43 PM: Cynthia,

My goodness only one pain specialist! I thought things were getting tough over here. Have you been able to work with your GP for pain in the meantime?

I am glad you are feeling a bit more positive. Pain sure can make you down. It is difficult when you feel like there is no one to help you. I think you will find someone, it may just take time. Patience is not easy to come by when you hurt so much though. Have you ever checked out this web site? www.patellamd.com (http://www.patellamd.com) It has some good information on it. It also has a few surgery pics on it, so if that stuff bothers you be forewarned. It may give you something to talk to your GP about and any new OS you may see. This is my doc's site, and how I found him. I was overjoyed he is not out of reach for me. Good luck with your OS search.

I understand the pain killers and sleeping. As long as I am moving around I am fine, but if I sit down for too long I want to sleep. Well it's time to get things locked down at work before I leave for the day.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 28, 2009, 11:27:28 PM: Milly,

Ya can you believe it only one pain specialist :o. I have been to my GP for some help with the pain, he also has decided to send me for a second opinion. He is going to do some research and will come back to me when he finds an OS who he thinks can help. At least I know when he says he'll get back to me he will and I won't have to wait months for an answer. I was very happy when he decided that he was going to send me for a second opinion, at least I know if new OS says the same thing as the first OS I'll know there isn't a lot more that can be done and won't feel like I was being brushed off with any old answer.

Pain can be a very depressing thing, I never realised how down it can make someone feel until last week. Patience is not one of my strong points as you may have gathered already, but i'm just going to have to relax and be patient and wait and see what comes out of the appointment(when I get it) with the new OS. I have never checked out that web site but will have a look at it after I finish this post. I wouldn't be to put off by pictures of surgery, it would take a lot more than that to make me go green but thanks for the warning.

I'd be like you with all the pain killers if I sit for to long I usually fall asleep much to Johns delight, I always wondered why he keeps telling me I should sit down and relax!!.

Hope you had a good day at work and are keeping well.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 29, 2009, 01:19:11 AM: Well thought I would warn you, some folks can't handle the gory stuff. It may take more than a second opinion to get a good answer. It's good that your GP will look for you. Pain is terrible, it makes you sad, grouchy, and tired. Patience is not something I am very good at either. Well am very sleepy and need to wrap up stuff here before I can go to bed.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 29, 2009, 03:45:21 PM: Milly,

Hope you had a good sleep, I was awake until 5am >:( with these stupid knees. Thanks for the info about that web site, it was very informative.

More Later

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 30, 2009, 05:10:32 PM: I am so sorry to hear you are having trouble sleeping too. Most nights they only wake me up a couple of times. Pain meds usually get me back to sleep in about 20 minutes or so. Sometimes though nothing seems to help and all I do is doze for a few minutes and wake up walk around and doze for a short while again. Certainly lack of sleep can make you feel even more down and isolated.

As for me I am trying to get things ready for surgery next week. I think I have most of my work stuff done and ready. I need to try to get the house cleaned up a bit more. Mostly make sure I have safe paths to all the places I need to get. I have some spots I really want to get the junk out of, but don't know if that will happen in the next few days. I get so tired from the pain and meds that I usually doze off for a couple hour nap when I get home from work. So cuts the time I would have to work.

Hope you are better today.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 31, 2009, 12:13:26 AM: Milly,

I hope you are getting plenty of help trying to get the house sorted before your surgery. I know how you feel when you say the pain makes you tired. I feel like a little old lady taking naps during the day but if I don't get sleep at night I'll have to give in during the day. I'm having a little better day today, the pain is a little more bearable.

Hopefully after your surgery you won't need to rely on pain meds and you will have uninterupted sleep. I really hope it goes well for you. I'll keep you in my thoughts and prayers.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on July 31, 2009, 05:17:09 PM: Cynthia,

Thanks for the well wishes. I sure hope that I can wean off these meds after ward. Between the pain and the meds it's a wonder I can stay awake at all. I'll certainly post progress when I feel up to it. I don't think I'll take the laptop to the hospital since it's so far from home and no one would be able to take it home at night. The kids are helping some. Have to give them a push though and I ignore the eye rolls and grousing. They do what I ask, so I let that go.

Glad yesterday was a better day. Hope today was better yet. They do go up and down though.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on July 31, 2009, 11:55:49 PM: Milly,

Glad to hear the kids are doing their bit, all be it with rolling eyes ::) but I think that's something kids love to do just to see what kind of a reaction they'll get. It is probably a good idea that you don't bring the laptop in to hospital seen as you have no one to bring it home at night. It's a pity your surgery is in a hospital far from home, but if you have to travel far to get the job done right then it'll be worth it.

Will the docs help you come off all the pain meds, I can appreciate how hard it will be because when you take them for a long time they can be addictive which is one of the main reasons I try not to take them but when the pain gets to much all you can do is give in.

Take Care,

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on August 02, 2009, 03:09:24 AM: Cynthia,

I certainly hope the docs will help. The good part for me is I really don't miss them when I don't hurt, so that should help. It may still be a bit tough, but if I take it slow and get the docs help, it should not be too bad. I do think about that and worry about it.

I think that kids do want to help, but just don't want it to look that way. Well I got to go for now.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on August 03, 2009, 02:10:52 AM: Milly,

That's a good sign that you don't miss them when you don't hurt, your obviously not addicted to them which is a good thing. Try not to think about it to much, I know that's easier said than done but you'll only drive yourself mad thinking about it. You are a strong woman and I have no doubt that you will be able to get through it. As you said as long as take it slow and the docs help you should be fine.

Kids are funny. They want to be helpfull but don't want you to think that they are happy about doing what they are asked to do, they might groan and moan when asked to do something but deep down they know they are doing good by helping out.

I might try and get some sleep now, i'm having a bit of a sleepless night :'( but am starting to get a bit tired, so who knows I might nod off easy enough now.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on August 03, 2009, 03:50:48 PM: Cynthia,

Thanks for the pep talk. Getting nervous now as surgery is in two days. Nothing too bad yet, but edgy you know? Things should be just fine I know, but the mind sometimes goes it's own way and thinks about the bad stuff. That's normal I suppose. Thankfully it's nothing too bad and does not keep me awake at night or anything.

We will be going down the night before I need to be at the hospital as it's two hours away. That way we can find the parking lots and what door I need to go in ahead of time. It will also give me a change to sleep in a bit, if I can anyway.

Hope you managed to get to sleep and stayed asleep for a while. Lack of sleep is nasty.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on August 03, 2009, 11:41:41 PM: Milly,

It is natural that you are going to be nervous the closer your surgery gets. The mind certainly can go of in it's own way and would have you thinking all sorts of bad things. It's a good thing you have a strong mind and you don't let things like that get to easy.

Best of luck with the surgery and I really hope everything goes well for you. I'll be thinking of you and praying for you. When you are able to let me know how things went.

I managed to get a few hours sleep last night and I intend to go to bed early tonight in the hope that i'll get a good sleep tonight. Definitely lack of sleep is nasty.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on August 04, 2009, 01:31:49 PM: Cynthia,

Thanks for the well wishes and prayers. I have asked my daugher to log on and post for me. Here is where I am going to have her post. http://www.kneeguru.co.uk/KNEEtalk/index.php?topic=47974.msg469122#msg469122

Once I am home and feeling up to it, I'll start a post op diary.

Glad you were able to sleep. Not me! My daughter woke me up about an hour before the alarm went off, she had a nightmare and wanted me to tuck her in on the couch. So I feel a bit short on sleep today. :P I can sleep in a bit tomorrow though. We decided that since we don't need to be at the hosptial until noon ish, we are leaving in the morning. Saves a bit of money not staying in a hotel for the night. I am rather glad, I don't think I'll sleep too good tonight anyway and I never sleep well in a hotel. Well I'll probably try posting back tonight. I may even start my post op diary early. I will definately post the link when I do.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on August 04, 2009, 08:24:40 PM: Milly,

Hope you get that much needed sleep before the surgery. It's great that you can relax and take your time going to the hospital, i'm a bit like you I don't sleep very well when away from home. I'm a bit of a homebird.

Good luck and cyber hugs and :-* :-* going your way.

Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 03, 2009, 08:55:26 PM: Cynthia,

Just popping in to see how you are doing. Hope all is well.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 05, 2009, 01:12:26 AM: Hey Milly,

Sorry about my lack of posts recently i've been a bit pre occupied with stuff happening at home lately. How are you getting on? I really hope your recovery is going well.

It's late so i'm going to keep this post short, will catch up with you in the next post.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 08, 2009, 02:28:27 PM: Cynthia,

I know how it goes with home stuff creeping in on you. Recovery is going quite well. Not as fast I as want of course, but well. I have ditched the crutches and the walking stick. I can't go for distance yet, but can get around on my own. Some stiffness and soreness around the op site, but I expect that. I hope you hear something soon for your knees.

Take care,

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on September 11, 2009, 06:43:46 AM: Cynthia....

Hello. I dont come here too often anymore, but wanted to check in and see how everything is going your way. I hope things are ok. I think about you often. Please let me know.

Donna
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 12, 2009, 11:22:29 PM: Hi,

Milly and Donna thanks for the posts.

Sorry I haven't been around much lately, things have been a bit busy with me lately but I will fill ye in with that at a later date.

Milly glad to hear your recovery is going well, although not as quick as you would like. You know the old saying "Slow and steady wins the race". You must feel better having ditched the crutches and walking stick, at least you will find it easier to get around without them.

Donna how has your recovery been going, hopefully you are well on the road to recovery now. Things are ok just been a bit pre occupied with other things happening that I haven't had time to post. I think about you often also.

I'm still no futher on with getting my knees sorted. I'm still trying to find a new OS that isn't 100's of miles away from where I live, because sitting in a car for a long time to go to appointments is a big NO NO. Still have loads of pain but i'm not letting it get me down anymore because there is nothing I can do at the minute to change it.

Hope ye are both well.

Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 14, 2009, 01:36:30 PM: Cynthia,

Glad you are still looking for an OS. It can be a long search. I know my two hour car rides to my current OS are not fun, but I am very glad I found him. It certainly is easier to get about with out having one or both hands full. I am actually going upstairs properly, down is a bit harder yet. I am not going to win any races yet, but I can wait for the speed to get better. As for the pain, all you can do is what you are able to do. Sometimes you end up doing more because you are doing something you really enjoy or something that needs to be done, then you pay. I sure know what that's all about. Take care and try not to over do too often.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 20, 2009, 11:47:54 PM: Hi All,

Well I have a bit of good news unfortunatly it's nothing to do with getting my knees sorted out but none the less myself and John are delighted with the news. We are expecting a little bundle in April ;D well we actually found out the other day that it's 2 little bundles so we are very happy. Our wedding is next August so we are thinking of putting it off until the following year.
Still no news on the knee stuff but I doubt they will do anything now until the babies are born.

Just thought i'd share my news with you guys.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on September 21, 2009, 02:20:07 AM: Hi there

Wow....you two!!!!! Doubly blessed!!!!!! Congratulations!!!! You're going to be verrrrrry busy, but very happy!!!! I am thrilled for both of you....you deserve every happiness!

All the more reason now to stay healthy!! Take care of those knees....you're going to need them! ;D ;D

Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: plantgeek58 on September 21, 2009, 02:36:43 PM: Hi Cynthia,
Like Donna, I don't frequent the boards as often as I used to, but I do check in from time to time. I'm so happy to hear your wonderful news! Congratulations to you both. You must be over the moon! I won't even bother to say take good care of yourself, because I know John will see to that. lol! Hugs and kisses to the pair of you!
Terre
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 23, 2009, 12:45:32 AM: Hi Sue and Terre,

Thanks for the congratulations. We are both thrilled, we so happy when we found out that I was pregnant and then to find out that we were having twins, well you can just imagine how we feel ;D.

I am doing my very best to stay healthy, my g.p has me calling in to him once a week to make sure everything is going ok(he worrys to much). I have to go see him tomorrow.. I'm kind of glad I go to see him tomorrow because this morning sickness or should I say anytime of the day sickness is torture. I've tried every old wives tale to try and stop it but nothing is working, so i'm feeling a bit yuk at the moment but i'm sure it will pass(I doubt it could last for the full 9mths :o).

Anyway John says it's time I was getting some sleep, you are right Terre John is looking after me very well. He says hello to you both.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 23, 2009, 02:23:11 PM: Cynthia,

The morning sickness usually does not last the whole time. It may come and go a bit. I admit it is not much fun feeling like that. I always felt that it was worth it though, for what you get at the end of it all. Even the sciatica my son caused me. That did pretty much resolve once he was born though. Anyway take care of yourself and if it makes the doc feel better give him a call.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 24, 2009, 12:19:34 AM: Milly

I hope you are right about the morning sickness not lasting the whole time, I can handle it if it comes and goes a bit but having it all day everyday is very draining. I have no doubt in my mind that it will all be worth it in the end. I don't envy you getting sciatica, my friend suffers from that from time to time and she is in terrible pain when she gets a bout of it.

Was in with the doc today and he was not to happy with my blood pressure, amongst other things so he turned to John and said "I think it would be best if she went into the hospital". I'm just sitting there while the 2 of them have their conversation and when they finished said "I am in the room you know". The 2 of them just looked at me red faced and said "Oh Sorry". Anyway I didn't argue with the doc this time because there is more than me to worry about now so I went to the hospital and that is where i've been since :'(. They assured me that they wouldn't keep me in any longer than neccessary that they just wanted to make sure I was getting enough fluids as I was a bit dehydrated and then get the blood pressure back to an exceptable level.

So as you can guess i've got the laptop in here with me, I need something to keep me occupied. I have promised to be good and not to stay online all night. So i'd better do as I promised finish posting now and go to sleep.
Hope you are well.

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: subail on September 24, 2009, 12:35:30 AM: Cynthis

So sorry to hear that you have been ill again. You're right: you're looking after more than you right now! You'll be home soon....just get that BP under control.

Hope you feel better soon....Sue #2
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 24, 2009, 02:20:41 PM: Cynthia,

Sorry you are having to have another hospital stay. You are right though and have more than yourself to worry about. It is tough to stay hydrated on the best of days, it is even harder when you are pregnant and feel sick all the time. There is the fear of what you put in not staying in. I hope you are home soon. I know you will be getting all kinds of advice so I'll leave it there. It was rather rude of John and the doc to talk as if you were a little kid,but they are worried about you.

Take care and be home soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 25, 2009, 01:03:21 AM: Hi All,

Ok this has got to be a quick post because if the nurses come back around and see me still using the laptop they will be telling me off.

My blood pressure has come back to a normal level for now, i'm still have quite a bit of morning sickness but I feel much better it must be the IV fluids that are making the difference. I've been told I won't be home this weekend but i'm hoping they will let me go home on Monday. The doc said when he does let me home that I have to keep a close eye on the blood pressure, apparently it's not good when it gets high when you're pregnant.
I had a scan this morning and the guy doing the scan asked us if we wanted a 4d scan to which we both immediatly anwsered yes please. It was amazing how clear the babies looked, they look so big but the guy doing the scan said they are only about an inch around the size of a strawberry. I'm actually 11wks pregnant so i'm a little futher on than the guy doing the first scan said.

Well I have to go now. Hope everyone is keeping well.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 25, 2009, 05:58:01 PM: Glad things are getting back undercontrol for you. Try your best to stay hydrated and that should help the BP. Anyway hope you are home on Monday.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 27, 2009, 12:53:01 PM: Hi

Oh man am I bored stuck in here. There is nothing on the tv, i've left my ipod at home and they won't let me go for a walk around the hospital(must be afraid i'm going to run away). Can't wait to go home!!!!!!!!!
Ok that's my little rant over, had to get that out or someone here was going to get it ;D.
B.P is still staying within acceptable levels of normal(won't be if they don't let me out of here soon). Staying hydrated is a different story, right now I feel great but for the last couple of days i've only been getting a couple of hours where I have no morning sickness ???.

Well since I feel good at the minute I asked John to bring me up something nice when he was coming up and he has just come in the door with one of my mum's lovely dinners and a big lump of chocolate fudge cake. Oh it could be a dangerous thing to eat all that :o.

Anyway i'll go now and eat the dinner at least(John can eat the cake). Hope everyone is well

Love
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 28, 2009, 04:53:34 PM: Cynthia,

Bored means you are feeling a bit better. I will pray that the all day morning sickness goes away soon for you. It sure is no fun. Hope dinner was good and stayed put. Let us know when you can go home.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on September 29, 2009, 12:35:13 AM: Hi all,

Yes Milly bored means feeling better. I still have the all day morning sickness but it's not as severe as it has been(thank god). The dinner was lovely but it didn't stay with me for very long :'(, but on a good note I got my walking papers from the hospital today ;D ;D. I have been given strick instructions to rest and take things easy.
So i've been good since i've been home and haven't done anything to over exert myself.

Well that's all from me now, time for bed.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on September 29, 2009, 03:47:29 PM: Cynthia.

Glad you are now home. It is so much easier to relax at home. I know you will be careful and rest when you should. Boring though isn't it? Hope the morning sickness goes away soon.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 01, 2009, 12:43:05 AM: Hi All,

Milly, it's so much easier to relax at home but i'm soooooooooooooo bored. I never thought i'd say it but i'd rather be doing the house work than sitting relaxing all day. Guess what i've had no morning sickness today ;D ;D it was great to be able to enjoy my food today and not worry about it making an abrupt exit.

Well John is on nights and i've promised not to spend all night on the laptop so i'd better keep my promise. Hope you are well.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on October 01, 2009, 05:13:11 PM: Cynthia,

Glad the morning sickness took a day off. It is hard to just "sit around". Try not to get too stir crazy.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on October 25, 2009, 12:58:57 PM: Hi All,

I just thought i'd send a quick post letting you all know that both myself and John are ok. John has taken the loss of the twins really bad but i'm just giving him the time and space that he needs at the minute to get over the loss. It certainly hasn't been and easy few weeks but we are just going to have to pick our selves up and start thinking positive.

Well i'm afraid that's all from me, I still find it quite hard to speak about losing the babies.

Love
Cynthia xx
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on October 26, 2009, 03:07:29 PM: Oh dear! I am sorry. I am sending you both a big hug. You both deserve a break from all the drama. I will pray you get one.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on October 30, 2009, 03:24:11 AM: Cynthia....Just wanted to send you lots of hugs and tell you how very sorry I am. I will continue to keep you both in my thoughts and prayers....

Donna
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: Cynthia1982 on November 14, 2009, 12:03:44 AM: Hi all,

Thanks for the thoughts and prayers they are much appreciated.
Myself and John are thinking of hiding away until the 1st of January and hopefully next year will bring us better luck than we had this year.

Thanks Again,
Cynthia
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: TwoBadKneesUSA on November 14, 2009, 01:07:00 AM: Cynthia and John,

Take all the time you need. Have a blessed and Happy Christmas. Wishing you the best now and for the next year.

Milly
Title: Re: Lateral Release
Post by: lilrosie06 on December 03, 2009, 06:56:29 AM: many hugs to both of you.